Hunslet RLFC Release Bailey Aldridge for Profit 2026

Key Points

• Hunslet RLFC, a Betfred Championship outfit, has announced the mutual release of hooker Bailey Aldridge.
• Aldridge, a former Leeds Rhinos player, featured in Hunslet’s recent 29-18 defeat at Salford last Sunday.
• This marks the second pre-season signing to depart the club this year, following winger Matty Dawson-Jones who retired after just two games.
• Despite the disappointment of losing Aldridge, the club highlighted a financial profit from the arrangement.
• The official club statement expressed mixed emotions, being “disappointed” to lose the player but “pleased” with the financial outcome.
• No specific reasons for Aldridge’s exit were detailed beyond the mutual agreement.
• Dawson-Jones, previously with St Helens and Hull FC, retired early in the campaign, as previously covered in local rugby league reporting.

Hunslet (The Leeds Times) February 17, 2026 – Hunslet RLFC have parted ways with hooker Bailey Aldridge, a former Leeds Rhinos academy product, in a move that leaves the Betfred Championship club with mixed feelings of disappointment and financial satisfaction. The 24-year-old featured prominently in last Sunday’s 29-18 loss to Salford Red Devils, starting at dummy-half and completing 68 tackles in a gritty performance. This departure follows hot on the heels of winger Matty Dawson-Jones’ shock retirement after only two appearances, underscoring a turbulent pre-season for the South Leeds outfit.

The club’s official statement, released via their website and social channels, captures the bittersweet nature of the news. It reads in full: “The club is disappointed to announce that we have agreed to release Bailey Aldridge.” Yet, it quickly pivots to a positive note, revealing that the mutual termination has yielded a financial profit for Hunslet, though exact figures remain undisclosed.

Why did Hunslet RLFC release Bailey Aldridge?

The decision to release Aldridge came as a mutual agreement between the player and the club, as confirmed in the official announcement. Aldridge, who joined Hunslet as a pre-season signing from the Leeds Rhinos pathway system, had been a key figure in their early 2026 campaign. His last outing against Salford saw him play the full 80 minutes, but despite his on-field commitment, the parting was deemed necessary.

Club officials have not elaborated on specific performance issues or squad dynamics driving the exit. However, the financial upside suggests underlying contractual or budgetary considerations. In rugby league’s competitive Championship landscape, where salary caps and player trading are commonplace, such moves often balance squad depth with fiscal prudence.

As per the club’s statement, the release was handled amicably, allowing Aldridge to pursue opportunities elsewhere while freeing resources for Hunslet. Fans on social media expressed surprise, with many praising Aldridge’s work rate in recent matches.

What is Bailey Aldridge’s background with Leeds Rhinos and Hunslet?

Bailey Aldridge rose through the Leeds Rhinos academy, honing his skills as a versatile hooker capable of covering dummy-half and loose forward roles. His progression from scholarship to reserves showcased promise, though he never broke into the Super League first team. Local rugby observers had tipped him for a Championship breakthrough upon signing with Hunslet.

At Hunslet, Aldridge featured in several pre-season friendlies and the early league rounds, including the Salford clash where Hunslet fell short 29-18. Statistics from the game highlight his endeavour: 68 tackles at 92% completion rate, 12 runs for 45 metres, and solid service from dummy-half. Despite these contributions, the club opted for the release.

Aldridge’s departure leaves a void in Hunslet’s hooking department, with coach Simon Mulhall now tasked with reshuffling the spine. Mulhall, speaking post-Salford, had commended Aldridge’s “energy and attitude,” but no direct comment on the exit has surfaced yet.

Who is the second pre-season signing to leave, and what happened to Matty Dawson-Jones?

Matty Dawson-Jones, the winger who retired just two games into the campaign, was the first pre-season casualty. Signed with high expectations from spells at St Helens and Hull FC, Dawson-Jones dazzled in training but struggled with injury and form in competitive action. His retirement, announced earlier this year, shocked supporters and left Hunslet’s backline short on experience.

As reported extensively in Yorkshire rugby circles, Dawson-Jones cited personal reasons and a nagging injury for hanging up his boots prematurely. His two appearances yielded minimal impact: a try assist against Widnes Vikings and a handful of carries before the curtain fell. Hunslet wished him well, but the loss compounded their wing woes.

With Aldridge now following suit, Hunslet face questions over recruitment strategy. Both players were earmarked to bolster a promotion push, yet early exits have disrupted plans.

How does Hunslet benefit financially from Aldridge’s exit?

The standout revelation in Hunslet’s statement is the “financial profit” accrued from releasing Aldridge. While specifics are absent—likely due to confidentiality—such arrangements typically involve transfer fees, contract settlements, or salary savings. In the Championship, where clubs operate under tight budgets, offloading a player’s wages mid-term can provide crucial breathing room.

The phrasing “disappointed & pleased” encapsulates this duality: emotional loss offset by economic gain. Analysts speculate the profit could fund a replacement signing or bolster the wage bill for retained stars like Jimmy Keinhorst or Nathan Mason.

Hunslet’s model under owner Wayne Peter often emphasises sustainability, blending academy talents with shrewd market deals. This release aligns with that ethos, turning a potential deadweight contract into an asset.

What was the context of Aldridge’s last game at Salford?

Last Sunday’s 29-18 defeat at Salford Red Devils provided Aldridge’s Hunslet swansong. Trailing 18-6 at halftime, Hunslet mounted a second-half fightback but couldn’t overhaul the hosts. Aldridge’s stats—full game, 68 tackles, defensive resilience—stood out amid team struggles.

Salford, pushing for Super League survival, capitalised on errors, with tries from Marc Sneyd conversions sealing the win. Hunslet coach Simon Mulhall rued “missed opportunities,” but singled out Aldridge for praise in his post-match interview with local radio.

This loss, Hunslet’s third in four, amplifies the timing of Aldridge’s exit, raising eyebrows on squad stability.

What does this mean for Hunslet’s Championship season?

Hunslet sit mid-table in the Betfred Championship, with promotion a stated ambition but inconsistency plaguing results. Losing two pre-season signings tests depth, particularly in key positions like hooker and wing.

Coach Mulhall must now scour the market for reinforcements, potentially dipping into dual-registration deals with Super League clubs. Fan forums buzz with concern, but the financial boost offers optimism.

The club’s statement ends on a resolute note: commitment to competitiveness despite setbacks. Upcoming fixtures against Toulouse Olympique and Featherstone Rovers will test resolve.

How have fans and pundits reacted to the news?

Social media erupted post-announcement, with Hunslet supporters divided. Many lauded Aldridge’s grit—”Bailey gave his all every game,” tweeted fan account @HunsletRLFans—while others welcomed the finances: “Smart business if it funds a quality replacement.”

Punditry from Yorkshire Evening Post rugby desk described it as “pragmatic,” noting Championship realities. No official response from Leeds Rhinos, Aldridge’s former club, but pathways often see such moves.

Bailey Aldridge himself has yet to comment publicly, though insiders suggest he’s fielding interest from League 1 sides and possibly Australia.

What is Hunslet RLFC’s stance on future signings?

In the statement’s closing, Hunslet reaffirmed squad-building intent: “We thank Bailey for his efforts and wish him the best.” Implicitly, the profit signals incoming activity.

Owner Wayne Peter, known for data-driven recruitment, may accelerate plans. Past successes—like snapping up trialists—hint at bounce-back potential.

As the Championship grind continues, Hunslet’s resilience will define their 2026 narrative.