HEAD coach Gary Thornton says he was shocked and disappointed after learning Danny Nicklas was to quit York City Knights to try his luck with Hull KR.

The half-back made the move yesterday, just a week after agreeing to join the Knights on a permanent deal upon his release by Hull.

He had previously been on dual-registration with York, out of the first-team reckoning at the KC Stadium, but is now getting another go in Super League with the Airlie Birds’ arch-rivals.

Thornton, who found out the move was afoot only after the Knights’ Kingstone Press Championship defeat to Leigh on Sunday, admitted Nicklas was clearly keen to establish himself in the top tier, but is not happy with the way his move to Craven Park came about.

He also admits he will be scrambling about to plug the gap created by the 21-year-old’s exit - a situation made worse by injury to hooker Jack Lee - although a fortnight’s break from league action, starting with this weekend’s Challenge Cup trip to Catalans, gives him breathing space.

Said York’s boss: “I’m really disappointed with how it’s transpired. Hull decided to terminate his contract and my understanding was he’d focus on playing for us but it seems Danny and his agent saw things differently.

"I don’t think Hull would have released him if they knew this would transpire but there was nothing in an exit clause and he became a free agent. At that point his agent decided to secure him a Super League contract elsewhere.

“I’m bitterly disappointed. It leaves a gap.”

The Press understands Nicklas played for York on Sunday still on dual-reg having not signed his release papers from Hull. He did not pen a contract at Huntington Stadium.

Said Thornton: “I found out he was speaking to Hull KR after that game. Danny told me he was going there on Monday and he’d already spoken to them.

“He signed his release and went straight across the other side of the city. There’s nothing we can do about it.

“I knew he always had ambitions to play Super League. He was disillusioned about not getting in Hull’s team and he’s never been 100 per cent happy about being at York and I think his form reflected that.”

He added: “I thought getting Danny would get our midfield triangle sorted out. I was looking forward to him focusing on York but it seems he never had that on his agenda.”