The duo have been with Hull FC for the last month.
Hull FC loan player Ethan O’Neill.(Image: SW PIX)
Hull FC want to keep Leeds Rhinos loan pair Ethan O’Neill and Jeremiah Mata’utia behind their current one-month loan deals, Brad Arthur has confirmed.
The loan deals for both players expire after Hull’s game at Warrington Wolves on Friday night, with Arthur stating that Leeds will assess their own situation following their match against St Helens on Thursday night before making any call.
The Rhinos have a good bill of health at present, and if that health continues, then O’Neill and Mata’utia could continue playing at Hull with a new loan arrangement agreed.
Mata’utia joined the Black and Whites ahead of victory against Castleford Tigers and has also appeared in defeats to Toulouse Olympique, Bradford Bulls, and Leigh Leopards. Meanwhile, O’Neill has played in each of Hull’s last two games.
Arthur has insisted that both players must keep getting regular rugby league, with the loan moves working out for both parties so far.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Arthur said: “Hull have reached out to us and they’re happy with both players. We want them to be a good reflection of ourselves and themselves.
“We’re playing Thursday and we’ll get through our game and we’ll re-assess and see where we’re at.
“If we’re reasonably covered with healthy bodies, then we’ll look at it again.
“I think Hull are pretty happy with them. They’re going through a rough trot of injuries but we’ll see how we get through the weekend before we look at it properly.”
Leeds host St Helens at Headingley before games against Toulouse, Warrington, and Hull KR.