Leeds Rhinos have handed a one-month trial to former Sale Sharks and Newcastle Falcons back Jack Metcalf.
Metcalf is from Leeds and grew up playing rugby union at West Park Leeds. He also had a promising football career as a youth with Barnsley and Doncaster Rovers.
However, he will now make his first rugby league appearance after the Rhinos gave him a month-long trial, during which he will most likely play in some of the club’s forthcoming reserves games.
Metcalf began his professional career with Leeds Tykes in 2019, before joining Premiership heavyweights Sale. He scored four tries in 12 appearances before moving south to sign with Ealing Trailfinders.
He impressed in London, scoring nine tries in 12 games before moving on to Doncaster and, most recently, the Newcastle Falcons.
Leeds’ sporting director, Ian Blease, said: “We are delighted to offer Jack the opportunity to join us on trial for a month. He has played fullback, centre, and wing in union, and this will be his first opportunity to try himself in rugby league. He is a Leeds-lad and he has settled in well with the group already.”
If the Rhinos opt to offer Metcalf a permanent contract, they will be able to take advantage of wage cap loopholes that allow Super League clubs to recruit players while spending as little as possible.
The New Talent Pool provision permits any player who has never played rugby league before to count exactly zero against a club’s salary cap in year one of their contract. In year two, the figure jumps to 50%.
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