The grind of the season is upon us, and with the season a couple of months down, coaches are starting to figure out their strongest sides.
With the Easter period behind us, clubs and coaches are going to be more willing to send players out on loan who are not currently featuring in their side.
Here are four players who could do with going elsewhere to get up and running.
Chris Annakin (Wakefield Trinity)
It’s been a difficult season for Chris Annakin, who has yet to feature for Wakefield this season.
The forward has found himself waiting on the sidelines, with Chris Chester preferring a middle unit consisting of David Fifita, Pauli Pauli, Craig Huby and Anthony England in the early stages of the season.
Annakin ended up playing one game for the club’s dual-reg partner Dewsbury Rams, and despite Pauli Pauli being dropped for the club’s win over St Helens last week, Jordan Baldwinson was preferred.
As a result, a loan move is seemingly his best chance of getting some game time.
Brett Ferres (Leeds Rhinos)
Rehabilitation during the off-season meant Ferres was always going to miss the start of the season, and despite that, he’s still made three appearances for the Rhinos having returned for their draw with Huddersfield on Good Friday.
But he found himself out of the squad for the defeat to Wigan on Friday night, having not even made Brian McDermott’s 19.
Leeds’ forwards are fresh at this moment in time, and that could provide Ferres with an opportunity to go out on a short-term loan to pick up some form.
There would be plenty of interest. Ferres is a high-class player who has played for England.
George Griffin (Salford Red Devils)
Griffin has found himself on the outer at Salford this year, having been restricted to just three appearances.
He has constantly found himself on the outskirts of the team, with the likes of Craig Kopczak, Ben Nakubuwai and Lee Mossop going strong all year for Ian Watson’s side.
Watson’s selections in the pack have been consistent all year, and as a result, Griffin looks unlikely to work his way into the side anytime soon.
Matty Smith (St Helens)
It’s no secret that Smith is a wanted man among Super League clubs, with his opportunities sparse at St Helens so far this year.
Justin Holbrook is rightly reluctant to let the experienced playmaker leave in case of injuries at The Totally Wicked Stadium, but Smith has made it clear that he would like more game time.
For Smith, the chance to move elsewhere for a short period could give him a chance to get sharp and also impress Justin Holbrook.
