Rugby League News: Halifax Panthers Sign Hooker Corey Johnson on Dual Registration
On May 14, 2024, the Championship side Halifax Panthers confirmed the signing of hooker Corey Johnson from Leeds Rhinos on a dual registration deal. The number nine is set to make his debut for the Panthers on Sunday.
Leeds Rhinos, who have a dual registration partnership with the Championship club, have facilitated Johnson’s move, enabling the Panthers to bring him in at short notice. Unlike standard loan deals, this arrangement is not subject to the usual two-week minimum terms, allowing Leeds Rhinos to send Johnson out for much-needed game time this week while they have no match, and potentially have him available for their clash against St Helens in just under a fortnight.
“This is a great opportunity for Corey to get some valuable playing time and we’re pleased to be able to facilitate this move to Halifax,” said a Leeds Rhinos spokesperson.
Despite being at Leeds Rhinos for over five years, the 26-year-old hooker has only made 26 appearances for the club. This is due to a number of loan spells and his brief retirement in 2020, before returning in 2021 and featuring five times in the 2022 campaign that saw the Rhinos reach the Grand Final.
With the recent arrivals of Andy Ackers and Brodie Croft from Salford Red Devils, game time has become harder to come by for Johnson at Headingley. The dual registration move to Halifax Panthers will now provide him the opportunity to get valuable playing time, as he goes straight into contention for the Panthers’ upcoming Betfred Championship match against York Knights this weekend.
🔗 Source
