Catalans Dragons duo head to Workington on loan

Championship strugglers Workington have signed young duo Romain Franco and Florian Vailhen from Super League side Catalans Dragons on loan.

Winger or full-back Franco, 24, and forward Vailhen, 22, have linked up with the Cumbrian club on initial one-month loan deals.

Franco has represented Spain on the international stage and has scored one try in four Super League appearances for Catalans Dragons.

Vailhen has yet to make his first team debut for Steve McNamara’s side, but has experience of playing in the French Elite Championship for Saint-Esteve.

A Workington statement read: “We would like to thank Catalans coach Steve McNamara and general manager Alex Chan for their help in making the signings so straight forward and the Blue Knights Support group for their continued assistance that has allowed us to make these signings happen.”

Franco and Vailhen could make their Workington debuts when they host Widnes at Derwent Park on Sunday, July 3.

Workington are currently bottom of the Championship table, having won just one game from 15 this season.

Workington loanees return to Hull KR

Meanwhile, youngsters Will Tate and Tom Wilkinson have returned to Super League club Hull KR following their loans.

Steve Scholey is edging closer to a return to first team action. Town say that prop Jake Lightowler had knee surgery last week and now starts his road to recovery.

Ireland international Dec O’Donnell remains on loan at League 1 side Oldham. The hooker is gaining game time and match fitness with the Roughyeds as he recovers from a shoulder injury.

Widnes sign Leigh duo on loan

Elsewhere in the Championship, Widnes have signed Leigh duo Kieran Dixon and Luis Roberts on loan until the end of the season.

Dixon, 29, previously hooked up with the Vikings on loan back in April, but suffered an injury before making an appearance. He has more than 200 first grade appearances under his belt, featuring for London, Hull KR and York.

The winger will fill the void caused by long-term injuries to Vikings backs Ollie Brookes and Lloyd Roby.

Also making the move to the DCBL Stadium is utility Luis Roberts. Roberts, 20, made his Wales debut last weekend under new Widnes coach John Kear. The winger or centre scored 10 tries in 20 appearances for Swinton last season.

PODCAST: John Kear on international rugby league, re-structure & new Widnes role

LINKTREE: Love Rugby League website, podcast, app & Fantasy RL