FORWARD-thinking York City Knights are set to bolster their pack for the second time in a week after Hull KR star Jamie Bovill agreed to move to Huntington Stadium.

The paperwork to complete the 22-year-old prop's enrolment is not due until Monday, but Bovill confirmed to the Evening Press that he will join the LHF National League Two champions and is set to attend training tomorrow.

When finalised, it will be a major coup for the club as they embark on their first foray in NL1, and follows hot on the heels of Wakefield back-rower Rob Spicer's arrival, with both players adding higher-grade experience to the Knights' pack.

Bovill, who was linked to a cross-city move to Hull a year ago, had been courted by several clubs this autumn, with some Super League outfits thought to be involved in talks. But he said he was impressed by the "up and coming" Knights and will now follow fellow forward Mark Blanchard and scrum-half Phil Hasty in making the closed season switch from Craven Park.

He said: "I spoke to Mick Cook (head coach) and was really impressed with the way he came across, and John Guildford (chief executive) came across well with the plans they've got for the club."

The Hull-born 6ft 17st former Junior Academy international became, at 16, the youngest-ever player of the modern era to play for Hull KR, has captained the side and has represented the National League Under-21s. He was also a development officer at Craven Park.

But, in what was a big shock in East Hull, he was released at the end of this season via a phone call from Rovers coach Justin Morgan, who has since taken London Broncos captain Francis Stephenson, the former Wakefield and Wigan prop, and Rochdale's Welsh international front-rower, Gareth Price, to Craven Park.

It ended a seven-year association with the club Bovill had joined as a schoolboy, and the end of his full-time contract there means he will go back to getting a trade in bricklaying.

However, he is determined to win a place back in full-time rugby, with getting into Super League his main aim.

"It was a shock really when it came out," said Bovill of his release by Rovers. "Justin Morgan had a massive clear-out and I was one of the players to go."

As for his goals with the Knights, he added: "The first thing is to stay in Division One and hopefully finish in mid-table, which would be a good achievement for a newly-promoted club. To get in the play-offs would be a bonus.

"My personal ambition is to play in Super League. It would be great to get there with York and, if not, I want to play well enough for York to prove I can play at that level."

Updated: 09:14 Saturday, November 12, 2005