Harlequins RL have looked to ease the injury crisis threatening to envelop the Stoop by snapping up Hull Kingston Rovers’ Ryan Esders on a month-long loan.

Esders will slot in to cover the hole left by skipper Rob Purdham, expected to miss at least another month as he recovers from artery surgery in his hand.

And the 22-year-old could find himself thrown straight into the fray on Saturday as Harlequins look to stop a run of three straight defeats when they meet the Huddersfield Giants.

Esders said: “Harlequins have a great reputation for bringing through young players and I am really excited about the opportunity to play here.

“I have a lot of respect for Brian McDermott and I am really looking forward to working with him and helping out the team.”

For McDermott, who will also have Luke Dorn and David Howell missing from the weekend clash, the move from Esders is far from a gamble.

He said: “Ryan has caught the eye of several of our coaches over the years and he has been on our list for a while.

“With the recent injuries we needed cover and I believe Ryan will do a good job for us.”