FRONT-ROW enforcer Colton Roche is on his way back to York City Knights.

The 24-year-old Huddersfield Giants prop, a crowd favourite in his time at Huntington Stadium in 2014 and 2015, is returning to the Minster city for a second loan stint this season.

He will not be available for Sunday's Betfred League One match against Hemel Stags at Bootham Crescent (3pm), but will be in line to play in the tough test at Whitehaven seven days later. He will also be eligible for the visit of Workington Town on June 10 and potentially the trip to bogey side North Wales Crusaders - depending on when the paperwork is processed by the Rugby Football League.

It is hoped the month-long spell will be extended week on week thereafter.

Head coach James Ford said: "I think we're really strong in the forward pack area but the opportunity arose to bring in another quality player and I could not turn that down.

"Colton fits in really well with us, the boys think highly of him, and he adds to the competition for places."

Roche's arrival means one more middle-unit player will miss out each week, but Ford said: "You want that competition for places.

"You don't want players to get too comfortable and not do things to their maximum.

"Colton will provide that competition and we'll also have cover in case of injuries or suspension.

"It won't be the best 17 that wins this league - it will be the best 23 or 24, maybe more, and Colton pushes us closer to that."

Ireland international Roche made 27 appearances for York in 2014 and '15, helping them to 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 then played Championship rugby league with Sheffield Eagles, Featherstone Rovers and Bradford, where he impressed enough in the full-time environment, despite the Bulls’ relegation last year, to earn a shot at Super League with the Giants.

He made only two appearances in his first loan stint this term, in the victories away to Oldham and at home to Keighley.

Asked if this upcoming spell back at Bootham Crescent would last longer, Ford said: "Things change on a daily basis. We will have those conversations with Huddersfield throughout this period and see what we can do.

"I would love to keep him here. I think a lot of him as a person and a player but he's a Huddersfield player and they will direct what will happen."

Roche said: “It’s great for myself to get some quality playing time with a quality team.

"I know the club well and it is a fantastic environment to learn and play in.

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

Liam Harris, the half-back who starred for York on dual-reg from Hull KR last season, has moved from the Knights' League One rivals, Doncaster, to Hull FC for an undisclosed fee.

The 21-year-old has agreed a two-and-a-half-year deal with the Super League side and went straight into their squad for their Magic Weekend derby against Rovers. He may yet return to Donny this season on dual-reg from the Airlie Birds.