Featherstone Rovers have confirmed that Leeds Rhinos youngsters Loui McConnell and Liam Whitton have joined the club on a permanent basis.

The pair featured for Featherstone during their opening pre-season friendly of 2020 against York City Knights while Whitton scored a double against the Rovers for Leeds Rhinos in the club’s final pre-season tie.

Featherstone Rovers’ Football Manager Steve Gill said: “We are really pleased to have brought these two exciting youngsters to the club, both players showed their quality when playing for and against us in pre-season.

“These are two youngsters who can certainly emulate the impact that Jimmy Beckett, Jack Render and Jake Sweeting have had within the squad. Both are hungry to play at the highest level and will certainly add to our squad strength.”

McConnell said: “I’m delighted to have signed for Rovers and I’m looking forward to what the future holds and I’m excited for the challenge of testing myself in the Championship. I really enjoyed my time here at the start of the year in pre-season.”

Whitton added: “I’m so pleased to have signed for such a great club. I can’t wait to put on the Featherstone shirt and give my 100% for the club. Hopefully, I can be a part of a journey that takes Rovers up into the Super League.”

The duo will link-up with James Webster who has also been involved in the coaching set-up at Leeds Rhinos as part of the dual-registration deal between the clubs.

Loui McConnell and Liam Whitton are available to sponsor for the 2020 season and beyond. Please contact: davide.longo@featherstonerovers.co.uk