YORK City Knights are keeping tabs on Wakefield’s former York Acorn ARLC junior Jack Anderson – and boss Gary Thornton has not ruled out a loan move at some point.

Anderson, 19, made his debut for the Wildcats first team in their friendly with Super League rivals Leeds Rhinos over the festive period, coming off the bench to play 25 minutes of the 18-18 draw.

Hopes are high that the 6ft 2in loose-forward or stand-off, who has represented England at youth level, will turn into a Super League regular, with the player himself aspiring to one day play in the NRL in Australia.

But such goals can mean a spell in the Championships as part of his development, and, if so, Thornton said his home-town club could provide a solution.

“All we can do at the moment is keep an eye on young lads like Jack and we can express an interest if he was to be made available,” he said.

“He’s getting good development in a good environment at Wakefield but if, for example, it was felt he needed a loan move or for some reason it doesn’t work out for him there and he was to look for a move into the Championships, we’d be more than happy to give him an opportunity.”

He added: “Our partnership agreement with Castleford doesn’t mean we can’t take loan players from other clubs. He would have to better than what we already have or what Cas offer us, but we will certainly be monitoring him. He’s still a young lad in his development and we wish him all the best.”

Former Millthorpe School and York College student Anderson started out at Acorn – where his dad, Mick, is a coach – aged six. He was also an excellent footballer and was on York City’s books as a youngster before focusing, sportswise, on rugby aged 13.

The Blue and Golds are confident the teenager – a superstitious character who apparently has to make sure his laces are the exact same length before a game – will make the grade in the top tier.

Spokesman Alan Havercroft said: “We think he will make it. He’s a really hard worker amd his attitude is tremendous, and sometimes that’s all it takes to make that extra step.

“It’s about what is between the ears and Jack is a really good lad.

He’s even been down helping with the kids – he helped to coach the under-14s last year – and he’s already looking at coaching courses.”