There is a new face at Cornwall RLFC ahead of their Sunday home match against Keighley Cougars.

The Choughs have signed forward Nathan Cullen from Hull Kingston Rovers on a one-month loan deal.

The 19-year-old, a product of the Cottingham Tigers amateur club, started his rugby career as an outside back.

But after impressing in the Robins’ academy set-up and inking a reserve team contract with the Super League side for 2022, he has transitioned into a prop forward.

An imposing figure at 6ft 3in, Cullen will add depth to Cornwall chief Neil Kelly’s options in the pack with Jack Ray still out with a broken hand and Anthony Mullally set to miss the trip to West Wales Raiders later this month through suspension: “Nathan is a player that as he’s developed, has switched from the backs to middles.” 

“Due to injuries and suspensions, we need some cover in that area and although Jack Ray is well on the road to recovery, we still don’t know when he will be back.

“We are going to be without Anthony for one game so I’m very grateful to Hull KR for agreeing to loan us Nathan.

“It will be a step up for him from reserve grade football to League 1 but the people I have spoken too within the game say he’s a very good prospect. We look forward to seeing him in a Cornwall shirt.”

Cullen’s loan move beat the weekend transfer deadline meaning he is available for Sunday’s home match with Keighley Cougars. 

Kick off in the Betfred League One tie is at 3pm at the Memorial Ground as RLFC look to secure their first win of the league season.