Huddersfield Giants Sign Leeds Rhinos Trio 2026

Key Points

• Huddersfield Giants, bottom of the Super League with zero points from four losses, have signed Leeds Rhinos trio Riley Lumb, Ned McCormack, and Presley Cassell on loan to bolster their injury-hit squad.
• The players are available for Giants’ Super League match against Bradford Bulls at Odsal Stadium on Friday evening.
• Riley Lumb, 21-year-old winger, scored 10 tries in 17 Super League appearances for Leeds in 2025 (or 16 appearances per some reports).
• Ned McCormack, 21-year-old centre, brings first-team experience from Leeds Rhinos.
• Presley Cassell, 19-year-old loose forward, has made nine appearances for Leeds, scoring two tries.​
• Giants have 16 first-team players sidelined by injuries, prompting the loan deals.
• Huddersfield Giants Director of Rugby Andy Kelly thanked Leeds Rhinos and stated the loans provide options for head coach Luke Robinson.
• Loan timed with no Leeds Rhinos Reserves fixture this weekend, allowing match experience in Super League.
• All three players in contention for Giants debut against Bradford Bulls.​

Huddersfield (The Leeds Times) March 17, 2026 – Injury-plagued Huddersfield Giants have secured three young talents on loan from rivals Leeds Rhinos ahead of a crucial Super League clash with Bradford Bulls, as the West Yorkshire club battles to escape the foot of the table. The trio—winger Riley Lumb, centre Ned McCormack, and loose forward Presley Cassell—arrive at a pivotal moment for the Giants, who have lost all four opening matches and reported 16 first-team injuries last week. Director of Rugby Andy Kelly hailed the additions as vital support for head coach Luke Robinson.

Who Are the Players Joining Huddersfield Giants?

Riley Lumb, a 21-year-old winger, impressed in his breakthrough 2025 season at Leeds Rhinos, netting 10 tries across 17 Super League outings, according to BBC Sport reporting. As detailed by Total Rugby League, Lumb registered those tries from 16 appearances, underscoring his attacking threat on the flank.

Ned McCormack, also 21, operates as a centre and offers valuable first-team exposure gained at Headingley. Total Rugby League described him as a “young English centre,” highlighting his potential to fill gaps in Huddersfield’s backline.

Presley Cassell, the 19-year-old loose forward, has featured nine times for Leeds Rhinos to date, crossing for two tries in those games, per Total Rugby League. BBC Sport noted his first-team experience alongside McCormack, positioning both as ready-made reinforcements.

Why Have Huddersfield Giants Signed These Loans?

Huddersfield Giants languish at the Super League basement, winless after four rounds, with a recent announcement revealing 16 unavailable first-teamers. The loans, as per the official Leeds Rhinos site, coincide with no Reserves match this weekend, enabling the players to gain top-flight minutes against Bradford Bulls.

As reported by BBC Sport, Giants Director of Rugby Andy Kelly stated:

“They will assist our head coach Luke Robinson by providing him with options during this challenging period marked by injuries, ensuring we can field a competitive squad against Bradford.”

Total Rugby League quoted Kelly more extensively:

“It’s good to have the Rhinos lads on board, three young and quality players, they add to the playing squad and will help us in our ultimate goal to have our players back on the field, we thank Leeds Rhinos for assisting us. They will help our Head Coach Luke Robinson in giving him options to pick from in a time where we have been blighted by injury, so that we are able to pick from a competitive squad to face Bradford.”​

What Is the Context of Huddersfield’s Struggles?

The Giants’ dire form stems from an injury crisis, with NewsNow aggregating reports of ongoing absences blighting their campaign. BBC Sport specified 16 sidelined players as of last week, forcing emergency measures like these loans.

Head coach Luke Robinson now has fresh options for the Friday night trip to Odsal Stadium, where Bradford Bulls await in what looms as a relegation six-pointer. Gladiator Rugby and other outlets confirmed the trio’s availability specifically for this fixture.

Leeds Rhinos’ official announcement on their site and X (formerly Twitter) emphasised the short-term nature:

“Ned McCormack, Riley Lumb and Presley Cassell have joined Huddersfield Giants on loan. With no Reserves game this weekend, the trio will be…”

How Does This Benefit Leeds Rhinos and the Players?

For Leeds Rhinos, the loans provide development opportunities without Reserves action, as stated on therhinos.co.uk:

“Presley Cassell, Riley Lumb and Ned McCormack have joined Huddersfield Giants on loan for this weekend. With no Reserves fixture this weekend, the loan move will give the trio the chance to gain match opportunities in the Betfred Super League for the Giants game at Bradford Bulls this Friday.”​

The players stand to gain senior minutes amid Huddersfield’s needs, potentially accelerating their growth. Lumb’s try-scoring prowess, McCormack’s midfield solidity, and Cassell’s forward industry could see immediate debuts.​

Kelly’s gratitude to Leeds underscores the collaborative spirit in Super League, thanking them for “assisting us.”​

When and Where Will They Debut?

All three are eligible for Huddersfield’s Super League encounter with Bradford Bulls at Odsal on Friday evening, as confirmed across BBC Sport, Total Rugby League, and Leeds Rhinos channels. This high-stakes Yorkshire derby offers prime exposure.

Total Rugby League noted:

“All three are in contention to make their Giants debut at Odsal on Friday evening.”​

What Is the Broader Super League Picture?

Huddersfield’s woes contrast with rivals’ fortunes; NewsNow highlighted concurrent stories like Wakefield Trinity’s Challenge Cup draw and Leeds’ contract updates. Yet, for Giants, survival hinges on reversing form, with these loans a lifeline.​

Serious About Rugby League mentioned the deals in context of Bradford’s recruitment, noting Friday’s opponents’ reinforcements. Historical loans, like Leeds borrowing Huddersfield’s Elliot Wallis last year, illustrate intra-Yorkshire exchanges.

Implications for the Bradford Bulls Match?

Facing a bolstered Giants side, Bradford Bulls boss issued recruitment updates, per Serious About Rugby League, amid hopes for their own signings. Huddersfield’s additions could level the playing field at Odsal.​

Kelly’s focus on competitiveness signals intent: a “competitive squad to face Bradford.”

This move reflects Super League’s fluidity, where loans bridge gaps in packed schedules. As Giants coach dampens other speculation (Total Rugby League), focus sharpens on Friday.