Hull KR will be involved in one of the showpiece games in Las Vegas this weekend but a game that’s flown under the radar has resulted in a former Robin making a Championship loan move this weekend.
In the early hours of Sunday morning in the UK, Hull KR will kick off against Leeds Rhinos with two NRL matches also set to be played at Allegiant stadium Stadium as rugby league takes over Las Vegas.
However, also on the Las Vegas schedule are international fixtures between Scotland and the USA with both the men and women’s teams going head to head. Those games will be played on Friday (local time) and will see Rochdale Hornets hooker Ross Whitmore in action, leaving the Championship side without their captain. The games can be viewed on the USA Rugby League YouTube channel with Whitmore’s side playing at 4:15 am.
As a result of Whitmore’s international appearance and a number of other injuries, the Hornets have looked to the loan market with former Hull KR hooker Reiss Butterworth among the replacements.
Rochdale Hornets make double loan move
Signed by Hull KR ahead of the 2024 season, Butterworth was at the Robins just one year and is now plying his trade for Sheffield Eagles, however, Craig Lingard has made the former Batley man available for Rochdale this weekend.
The Hornets have announced Butterworth as a one-week loan signing but they’ve also been able to add Widnes Vikings prop Jack Houghton on a month-long deal.
The 29-year-old prop signed for the Vikings for the 2026 campaign and has featured twice for Allan Coleman’s side so far this year, though he’s been allowed to make the switch to Rochdale.
Explaining the deals on the club’s website, Hornets’ chairman Andy Mazey said: “It’s been a bruising and pretty relentless start to the new season, and we have suffered several injuries which are limiting Gary Thornton’s options.
“In addition to the injuries, our captain Ross Whitmore is also away this week representing Scotland in Las Vegas.
“With the above in mind, we have been hard at work and have gone out to the loan market and are extremely grateful to Sheffield Eagles for allowing a quality player in Reiss Butterworth to join us on a short-term basis.
“Furthermore, our gratitude extends to Allan Coleman and the Widnes club for allowing Jack Houghton to join us.”
After a shock defeat last week to Hunslet, in which former Hull FC man Bureta Faraimo scored five tries, Rochdale will hope to bounce back when they face Whitehaven with both Butterworth and Houghton available.
Where Hull KR rank among Super League’s greats, referee controversy and Las Vegas predictions – Click here to watch the latest episode of the Serious About Rugby League Show
