Hull Kingston Rovers have bolstered their squad with the signing of playmaker Jordan Abdull on a season-long loan from fierce rivals Hull FC.
The 20-year-old stand-off or loose-forward has struggled to establish himself in black and white and spent time on loan at Championship side Featherstone Rovers last season.
He made nine appearances for Lee Radford’s side last season but will make the switch to East Hull for 2017, where he was once on the books as a junior player.
Abdull becomes Rovers’ third signing in the space of two days, following Jamie Ellis and Andrew Heffernan.
He said: “I know my way around the club already and I’m looking to have a good season here at Rovers, hopefully playing week in and week out.
“I haven’t been able to do that for the last few years but I’m looking forward to showing people what I can do here. I’ve had to take a bit of back step and let the other people I’ve been playing with organise the team, but hopefully I can now be one of the vocal players and have people respond to me.
“I’m a Hull lad so I know about the rivalry between the two clubs. I’ve played for both teams at academy level and it was a bit strange when the chance to come here came up, but I think the two clubs have different agendas for next year.
“It might have been a bit different last season but Rovers are trying to get back into Super League now and I want to play my part in that.”
Head coach Tim Sheens said: “Along with Jamie Ellis, Jordan gives us another half back with Super League experience and I’m keen to work with both players and help them improve.
“We’re looking at playing Matty Marsh at full back with Ben Cockayne playing there and on the wing. The squad is starting to take shape and the spine of the team is looking strong with Shaun Lunt at hooker as well.
“We’ve got cover for all of those positions and we’ll be looking to give some of the younger players a run when we can. They need that experience so we’ll rotate them into the team throughout the year when we have the opportunity.
“With Jordan, Jamie and Andrew Heffernan, I’m very pleased with the business we’ve done over the last couple of days.”
