Oliver Gildart to join Hull KR's Challenge Cup Final opponents in shock move

[josie andrews]

Oliver Gildart has signed for Hull KR next season, but the centre is set to join their Challenge Cup Final opponents, Leigh Leopards, for the rest of the season. Isn't rugby league a weird and wonderful sport? As per Rugby League Live, the news broke minutes before Rovers' game with Castleford and quickly travelled around Craven Park. It's safe to say it's been met with mixed opinions.

There are so many narratives that can change the perception and the mood. Honestly, I don't think we will ever get the full story. Have Rovers tried to get him over early? How long has this deal with Leigh been in the pipeline? These are questions Willie Peters will be asked next week once the dust settles. However, looking at the bigger picture, as much as we can understand, the Robins won't be too pleased about the move.

https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/sport/r ... ve-8638172

[Barney841]

Surprised he didn’t come back to UK sooner

[cherry toffee]

Surprised he went to Australia in the first place

[Ipinwigan]

Too small, he was never going to make it in Australia, probably the same for Will Pryce

[Wigan_forever1985]

Seen on social media until end of season

[josie andrews]

Signings like this shouldn’t be allowed” – How social media reacted to Oliver Gildart joining Leigh Leopards

After rumours circulated on Friday evening that former Wigan Warriors centre Oliver Gildart would be headed to Leigh Leopards for the rest of 2023 it led to a lot of confusion. That was because Gildart has signed with Hull KR for the 2024 season and there just so happens to be a huge fixture coming between the Leopards and Robins in the shape of the Challenge Cup Final on August 12th.

It was quickly clarified that if the deal did go through then Gildart would not be eligible to play in the final at Wembley with the former England international having not registered for the club prior to the semi-final, a stipulation in the RFL’s Operational Rules.

Nevertheless the clubs still play at the end of the month in the league and given the tight nature of the playoffs it would earn Gildart a very frosty reception in Hull next season if he were to score a try that ultimately denied the Robins a spot in the top six.

Leigh confirmed the signing today announcing that Gildart would be with the Leopards till the end of the season, seeing him reunite with former his old Wigan boss Adrian Lam, and providing invaluable cover for Ricky Leutele who will miss the rest of the season.

As it had done on Friday when the rumours circulated social media was quick to react with both praise and criticism for the Leopards.

The strongest of which saw one fan claim signings of this nature should be banned.

Another said it was a great reflection of Leigh growing and becoming a destination for future stars.

There was jokes that Gildart could be a mole in the camp and provide Peters and his team tips for the Wembley match-up in just under a fortnight.

One fan commented on the ruthless speed of Derek Beaumont and the club recruiting Gildart.

Another fan was clearly very unhappy with the signing.

One Hull KR fan seemed to think it would result in Gildart’s contract being torn up at Craven Park.

https://www.seriousaboutrl.com/signings ... rds-79473/

[josie andrews]

So there’s all this cafuffle about Gildart signing as a replacement for Leutele until the end of the season BUT no one is complaining about HKR signing 3 players on loan for 2 weeks?

Hypocritical IMO

[Blackpool_Pie]

So there’s all this cafuffle about Gildart signing as a replacement for Leutele until the end of the season BUT no one is complaining about HKR signing 3 players on loan for 2 weeks?

Hypocritical IMO

Their are plenty of people saying HKR signing 3 on loan for one particular game is stupid everywhere.

[josie andrews]

So there’s all this cafuffle about Gildart signing as a replacement for Leutele until the end of the season BUT no one is complaining about HKR signing 3 players on loan for 2 weeks?

Hypocritical IMO

Their are plenty of people saying HKR signing 3 on loan for one particular game is stupid everywhere.

Being stupid & being very wrong are different arguments. Gildart can’t play v HKR in the CC. He’s replacing long term injury to Ricky Leutele until the end of the season.

HKR should be using squad players if they are resting players against us, not signing 3 players for 2 weeks on loan!

[Blackpool_Pie]

So there’s all this cafuffle about Gildart signing as a replacement for Leutele until the end of the season BUT no one is complaining about HKR signing 3 players on loan for 2 weeks?

Hypocritical IMO

Their are plenty of people saying HKR signing 3 on loan for one particular game is stupid everywhere.

Being stupid & being very wrong are different arguments. Gildart can’t play v HKR in the CC. He’s replacing long term injury to Ricky Leutele until the end of the season.

HKR should be using squad players if they are resting players against us, not signing 3 players for 2 weeks on loan!

Both are wrong and it has been said all over social media that both are wrong