31 March 2023 , 16:37
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It’s that time of year where we are seeing some loan signings take shape.
Wakefield have been busy in the loan market of late and it was no surprise after losing all of their opening six games. Hopefully, for them, it has the right effect in the next few weeks as loan deals can be great business for both the player involved and the club. It’s good for the player that they can have a fresh set of eyes on them - a different coach, different set-up, different team-mates - but it’s also good for the club as they have a talent who wasn’t in their planning at the beginning of the year.
That can happen with loans but also mid-season signings. I remember Ali Lauiti’iti joining Leeds in 2004 and having a huge impact as they went on to win the Grand Final. Obviously, Stuart Fielden went from Bradford to Wigan around this time of year in 2006 to help them avoid being relegated.
Earlier, when I was at the Bulls, we signed Ian Henderson in the middle of 2005. We needed a specialist hooker who could get us around after Jimmy Lowes had retired. Hendo worked really well for us and added to not only us but the Super League competition. It was a springboard for him as he went on to play in the NRL and for Catalans.
Also in 2005, we famously signed Adrian Morley on a short-term deal right at the end of the season. Andy Lynch was unfortunate to miss out on the subsequent Grand Final win but we were gaining one of the world’s best forwards.
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Bradford Bulls' Adrian Morley celebrates with Ian Henderson after winning the 2005 Super League Grand Final against Leeds Rhinos. (Photo by Matt Roberts/Offside via Getty Images) (Offside via Getty Images)Moz really added to us. Sometimes players miss out but that’s sport. Sometimes you’re in the team, sometimes you’re not.
It’s good to get some players in who haven’t been in a losing streak: they bring in energy, enthusiasm, some different ideas and that’s what you need to break yourself out of a rut.
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