Leeds Rhinos centre Jack Broadbent will join Championship side Featherstone Rovers on loan for the remainder of the 2022 season. 

Broadbent has made just five appearances for the Rhinos this season and is out of contract at the end of the campaign.

A product of the Leeds Rhinos Academy, the 21-year-old made his first team debut in 2020 but has struggled to nail down a consistent place in the team since.

He will add superb utility value to promotion-chasing Rovers, with the ability to play right the way across the backline for Brian McDermott’s team.

Commenting on the news, Rhinos boss Rohan Smith said: “We would like to wish Jack all the best at Featherstone. He is a young player who needs game time against quality opposition and this is a good opportunity

“The Rhinos have recently welcomed back centre Harry Newman and full back Jack Walker from long term injuries and have recruited Zak Hardaker, who can play centre and fullback for the remainder of the 2022 season which has limited opportunities for Broadbent.”

Though just a loan move, Broadbent appears to have played his last game in blue & amber and will hope he can help Featherstone gain Super League status by the season’s end – an achievement that will likely result in a permanent move.

Posting on Instagram, Broadbent said: “What a rollercoaster it has been! I’ve been at the club 7 years and made so many amazing memories and friends that I’ll have for life. Would just like to say thank you to @leedsrhinos for the opportunities they have given me but feel it’s the right time to move on for me to keep moving forward, I wish the boys nothing but the best. I’m just looking forward to what the future holds and can’t wait to get stuck in @fevroversrlfc till the end of the year.”

Injury problems have seen Featherstone drop down to second in the Championship table recently, with Broadbent and former Rhinos head coach McDermott hoping they can keep pace with Leigh at the top before the business end of the season and a shot at Super League.