"THE opportunity to bring him back was too good to turn down."

So said York City Knights head coach James Ford after meeting up again with front-row enforcer Colton Roche.

As reported on thepress.co.uk, the 24-year-old Ireland international has rejoined the ambitious League One club on loan from Huddersfield Giants just in time for a tough run of March fixtures.

And Ford, who first coached the prop forward in a 2015 season plagued by off-field strife, was delighted to have him back.

"I really enjoyed working with him last time and I was really pleased to see him progress and play for Featherstone and Bradford and then sign for Huddersfield," he said.

"We've kept in touch with him. He is highly regarded at Huddersfield but he's not quite becoming a regular there and the opportunity to bring him back was too good to turn down.

"I'm looking forward to seeing his explosive carries and his intent in contact.

"One thing I really rate about him is his leadership and character. We were in a tough, tricky situation the first year he was at the club, with all sorts of shenanigans going on (off the field).

"But Colton was loyal to me and the club and was a fantastic leader, keeping some of the younger boys in check."

He added: "He's coming from a good environment and I'm sure he'll help strengthen us on and off the field.

“I’d like to thank the Knights supporters for getting behind the club and facilitating signings like this.”

After Sunday's game at Coventry Bears, the Knights face potential promotion rivals in Oldham, Keighley and Doncaster, all in March.

Roche's one-month loan will also take in the Challenge Cup fourth round tie against Championship side Swinton, should Huddersfield allow him to be cup-tied.

Ford added: "I'm hopeful the loan will go beyond one month.

"I understand Colton's aspirations are to establish himself in Super League and if he does that and we help him, then that'd be great. If he stays with us, that's fantastic for us."

Roche made 27 appearances for the Knights in 2014 and 2015 - helping them top the League One table in 2014 and being a stoic performer on the field the following year despite the club's off-field issues.

He has since played in the Championship with Sheffield, Featherstone and Bradford, where he impressed enough in the full-time environment, despite the Bulls' relegation, to earn a shot at Super League with the Giants.

The prop said of his return to York: "It's great to get some quality playing time with a quality team.

"I know the club well and it is an improved environment since the last time I played there.

"I will also be pleased to work with James Ford again as he helped me get to Super League, and I will give my best efforts to help the team achieve all the success we are capable of."

The Knights, meanwhile, remain short of cover at centre and half-back, unless dual-reg options from Hull KR bolster their number.

Asked if further permanent recruitment was likely, Ford said: "We're still looking. We've got our eye on one or two people.

"The board and I know we need to strengthen in one or two areas. But we won't be rushed into it. We feel the team we've got is a good one. We just realise that, through 26 rounds, we'll need to bring in one or two more."