NEW Earswick All Blacks ARLC product Joe Hemmings has signed for York City Knights after a successful trial – but his chance of a first-team shot has had to be put on ice.

The 22-year-old loose-forward has agreed a professional contract which runs until the end of the 2012 season, having shown fine form for the Knights reserves this year.

He was in the running to make the 19-man squad for tonight’s Championship game at Batley but a dead leg picked up in the in-form reserves’ excellent 40-16 win over Whitehaven on Sunday – in which he scored a try – has ruled him out.

First-team head coach Dave Woods reckoned Hemmings probably was not ready for regular first-team action yet – but that he was “definitely” on the right track.

“He’s got some aggression and he carries the ball well,” said the Aussie. “He’s not quite there yet – but he’s still young and is still learning. He does some little things right, and, if we use him in the correct way, doing the right things with him, and if he continues to learn in training, I think he can make it at this level, for sure.”

Knights general manager Ian Wilson said: “Joe has demonstrated an excellent attitude since he came to the club at the start of the season and his performances have been first class.

“I am sure if he keeps working hard he will be able to make the step up to first grade.”

Hemmings joins Jack Stearman and teenagers Kris Brining and Tom Holmes as All Blacks products currently on pro terms at York.