RILEY Dean will spend at least the new few weeks away from Warrington Wolves on loan.
The young half-back has joined Championship side Newcastle Thunder on a deal until the end of the season, but Warrington may recall him at any time during that period.
The Wire have also confirmed fellow academy graduate Ellis Robson has also joined Newcastle on a permanent deal, bringing his time at the club to an end.
Despite playing in two of his side's five victories so far this year, head coach Daryl Powell believes it is too soon for Dean to play week in, week out for his side.
As such, he believes the opportunity to lead the attack of a Thunder side that sits 10th in the Championship table will do him the world of good.
Of the five games Warrington Wolves have won this season, Riley Dean has started two of them. Picture by SWPix.com
“For Riley, it’s a different level. Reserves don’t play every week at the moment, so it’s getting him playing consistently," Powell said.
“I had a good chat with him this morning about what I’d like to see from him, so I think it will be good for him to play consistently.
“We can call him back, which is important as well. He’s stepped into our team and done some quality things.
“Is he ready to play Super League every week yet? Probably not, but he’s had a real good look at it this year.
“Going and leading Newcastle’s attack will be great for him I think.”
Dean has played three first-team games this season, the last of which was a try-scoring appearance during the 40-22 loss to Wigan Warriors last month.
Riley Dean after scoring against Wigan. Picture by Mike Boden
Prior to that, he assisted four tries during the 32-10 win over Huddersfield Giants while his other first-team game came in February's 32-18 win at Toulouse Olympique.
Robson has played just once in the first team this year, starting in the second row as The Wire were knocked out of the Challenge Cup by Wakefield Trinity in March.
The 23-year-old has made seven appearances in all and has spent time on loan with the likes of Salford Red Devils, Toulouse Olympique and Widnes Vikings during his Wire career.
Ellis Robson in action during the pre-season friendly against Salford. Picture by Mike Boden
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel