St Helens have sent two of their first-team squad out on loan to the Championship on short-term loan deals.

Despite suffering some torrid injury luck of their own at the very top end of their squad with both of Jack Welsby and Matty Lees set to be sidelined for at least 10 weeks, Saints have taken the option to send two of their depth options out on loan.

Leon Cowen and Alfie Sinclair, two young talents within the first-team set-up at St Helens, have been sent on loan to Championship outfit Swinton Lions to earn ‘valuable match minutes’.

The 21-year-old forwards have had limited opportunities for game time at their parent club with Cowen playing twice for the Red Vee in 2025, whilst Sinclair has played just the once.

Both have previously played for Swinton on either a loan deal or dual registration deal so the move to the Lions makes plenty of sense as they land in a familiar environment and will earn much-needed game time.

St Helens sent young forwards out on loan

Cowen had previously been sent on a season-long loan to Halifax Panthers, with whom Saints sent plenty of players on loan in 2025, including young half George Whitby.

However, after the Panthers entered liquidation and had their RFL membership revoked, Cowen had returned to full-time training with Saints.

Now, he and Sinclair will make the switch back to Swinton with the pair in line to play this weekend when the Lions take on Batley Bulldogs away.

A statement from St Helens confirmed the deals: “Young St Helens First Teamers Leon Cowen and Alfie Sinclair are joining Swinton Lions on a short-term loan.

“The two 21-year-old forwards will get valuable match minutes under their belt in Paul Wood’s Lions’ team.”

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Young St.Helens First Teamers Leon Cowen and Alfie Sinclair are joining @Swinton_Lions on a short-term loan.

Good luck, gents, do us proud. 😇#COYS

— St.Helens R.F.C. (@Saints1890) February 26, 2026