Harlequins sign Pryce and Mellor from Wigan on loan

Pryce was unable to secure a regular starting place with Wigan in 2010

Harlequins have signed winger Karl Pryce and half-back Joe Mellor from Wigan on one-month loan deals.

Pryce, 24, the younger brother of St Helens stand-off Leon, started with Bradford, then switched codes to union before returning to league.

Mellor, 19, joined Wigan from amateur side Latchford Albion, breaking through into the first team in 2010.

"I am grateful to Wigan for supporting us in the loans," Quins head coach Rob Powell told the club's website.

"Karl has played a lot of first-grade rugby league and he has always proved to be a threat with the ball.

"Joe comes with good raps from the staff at Wigan and he has a bright future. It was just unfortunate he sustained an injury which put him out for most of last season."

Mellor made his biggest impact at Warriors in the reserve grade in the 2009 season when he cemented his spot as scrum-half, scoring 12 tries and collecting the man of the match award at the grand final win over St Helens.

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Quins need all the help they can get, best team with big squad loaning fringe players for experience makes perfect sense

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Pryce made his breakthrough in 2005 when he scored 17 tries in 25 games for the Bulls.

He made the Great Britain squad in 2006, but did not feature, before switching codes to join Gloucester.

But it proved to be a short-lived move and, by the end of 2007, he was back in rugby league with Wigan.

A foot injury plagued his 2008 campaign before he finally made his Wigan debut in February 2009, marking the occasion with a try.

He went on to play seven first team game that year and last season scored 13 tries in nine appearances for the Super League champions.

Wigan head coach Michael Maguire added: "We are pleased that both Karl and Joe will have the opportunity to gain some important match experience with Harlequins.

"Both players remain very much a part of our future plans here at Wigan but this is a good move for both clubs and for the players."