Tansey heading Down Under

Leeds utility player Jordan Tansey is to join team-mate Gareth Ellis in Australia after agreeing a loan spell with Sydney Roosters.

The Super League Grand Finalists have released the 22-year-old from the 12 months left on his contract to enable him to spend the next two seasons with the Roosters before returning to Headingley in 2011.

Leeds chief executive Gary Hetherington explained: "We recognise that Jordan's opportunities have been limited in his favoured positions of full-back or in the half-backs. This is a fantastic opportunity for him to go and play in the NRL and hopefully he will return in 2011 to put his experience to use with the Rhinos."

Tansey, who is not expected to make the Rhinos squad for Saturday's Grand Final with St Helens, has started just 19 of the 52 games he has played with the club since making his debut in March 2006.

Ellis will play his final match for the defending champions at Old Trafford before taking up a three-year contract with Wests Tigers.