Knights go for Carr as Garside and Pryce exit (From York Press)

Knights go for Carr as Garside and Pryce exit

11:50am Tuesday 4th September 2012 in Sport By Peter Martini, peter.martini@thepress.co.uk

THE end-of-season revolving door at Huntington Stadium has already started spinning with Waine Pryce and Matt Garside on their way out and Featherstone full-back Tom Carr now confirmed to be on his way in.

The Press understands York’s current number one, Tom Bush, is also being offered a new deal, contrary to the belief he would be released.

Winger Pryce has rejoined Hunslet after one season at the Knights. Centre Garside is also set to leave, having rejected two offers. Sheffield is understood to be his likely destination.

Carr, though, has signed a one-year deal at Huntington Stadium in the search for first-team rugby having been unable to leapfrog Ian Hardman and Tommy Saxton in the champions’ pecking order.

The Press reported he was on his way to York along with another fringe Rovers player, Aaron Lyons, although the latter’s arrival is as yet unconfirmed.

The Knights have been tracking 21-year-old Pontefract-based goalkicking ace Carr for three years, and had an offer turned down a year ago as the player gambled on breaking into Rovers’ first team.

He has only appeared twice in first-grade since but has been a star of their unbeaten second string, kicking 12 from 12 in the reserves grand final hammering of Oldham and being a player-of-the-tournament candidate in this summer’s Rugby League 9s against Super League academy opposition.

Said Knights general manager Ian Wilson: “We think he’ll be an outstanding signing. He’s a bit of an unknown to a lot of people but he’s got a lot of ability.

“He’s a modern-day full-back who can come into the line and ball-play, and who’s quick with great footwork.

“He just needs an opportunity to play regularly in first-grade and we’re delighted to give him that.”

Incoming Knights head coach Gary Thornton said: “He first caught my eye playing for Featherstone in the RL 9s in 2011, and I’ve kept track of him since.

“He’s been part of their first-team squad for a couple of seasons, but has had limited opportunities. He’s a young, ambitious lad who is desperate to prove himself. He’s an exciting player who can cover a number of positions, but full-back is where he is most dangerous. I think he’ll become a firm favourite.”

Talks with Carr put Bush’s future in doubt but The Press understands an offer was to go out by today. A deal is also on the table for James Haynes – who has not played this season but has had surgery – as the club bulk up full-back competition.

Former Leeds youngster Bush was usurped from the number one shirt by dual-registered Ben Hellewell and then Jordan Tansey and cast out to the wing, but he has been a different player since returning to his favourite role in June.

Winger Pryce, meanwhile, rejected new terms in June and has re-signed for Hunslet, with whom he scored 33 tries in 43 appearances before coming to York. He scored three tries in 11 appearances this year, missing 13 games due to a torn quad.

Garside joined York from Gateshead two years ago while studying at Northumbria University, but now lives back in Huddersfield and it is thought travelling issues played a part in his decision to quit the Knights.

The centre has missed only four games in two seasons, scoring 15 tries in 46 appearances. Wilson said: “We’re resigned to losing Matt. He’s been a very committed player and we wish him all the best.”

• York Lokos ARLC have withdrawn from the Yorkshire Men’s League, opting instead to play a series of friendlies.

They were 24-18 winners in their latest match at Scarborough Pirates thanks to tries from Shaun Crane, Mark Musgrave and Worthington (2). Gary Watkinson kicked three conversions and a penalty.