"THERE'S a buzz around the place. He knows he's coming to a club with aspirations that are growing all the time."

So said York City Knights boss James Ford after Aussie ace Jake Butler-Fleming joined his on-the-up outfit from partner club Hull KR for the remainder of the campaign.

The 25-year-old strike centre, who was to play on dual-reg for York at Hunslet last month only to pull a hamstring in the warm-up, now joins on loan with the intention of helping to fire Ford's men into the League One promotion play-offs.

"I'm really pleased to bring a player of that pedigree and that calibre to the club for the rest of the season," said Ford of the former Penrith Panthers junior.

"He will add more to an already exciting attacking team.

"Hull KR hold him in high regard, but he has been made available to us for our Super 8s campaign and I’m delighted to have him on board.

“He has been involved in a few of our training sessions already this year and I was happy with how he fitted in. I'm looking forward to seeing him play."

The Knights had been written off in many quarters earlier this term after ending last year in crisis, but they head into the Super 8s fourth in the table, with attendances on the rise too.

The Press understands the club hierarchy are also continuing to scour the market before tomorrow evening's transfer deadline.

Asked if this signing makes a statement of their intentions this season, Ford said: "We're an improving side. We've won nine of our last 11, there's a buzz around the place, and the supporters are getting behind us in numbers. We also know there's another level or two in us.

"We're not going to shout nonsense about what we can or can't do but we will keep in the background, keep on working hard and see where that takes us."

Butler-Fleming played for the Wentworthville Magpies, a partner club of NRL big guns Parramatta Eels, before joining Hull KR in late 2016.

He has played nine times for the Championship leaders, scoring five tries, despite a disrupted start to life on Humberside due to knee trouble.

However, Rovers' recruitment this week of Samoan international prop Mose Masoe from St George Illawarra Dragons took them over the quota allowed for overseas players, with Butler-Fleming becoming the one to make way.

The Knights, for their part, have sought a strike centre since Nick Rawsthorne's loan ended in May, the Hull FC starlet having notched eight tries in five appearances.

Tuoyo Egodo later arrived on loan from Castleford but his spell was bedevilled by hamstring problems.

Asked if Butler-Fleming's strike rate was what excited him most, Ford said: "It is impressive, certainly, but what I like about him first and foremost is the fact he's a good player and a good pro.

"He's strong, he's smart, his line selections are good and he's got good skills. I'm sure his experience at playing at a higher level will also enhance the development of some of our younger players and boost our defensive record.

"I'm looking forward to working with him."

The Press believes Butler-Fleming could well have been courted by other Championship clubs, as well as York's Super 8s rivals in League One.

Ford would not comment on that, saying: "I'm not sure what other options he had - that's between him and his agent. But I'm delighted he's joined us.

"I think a big part of it is the relationship we've got with Hull KR, along with the facilities and the environment we have here.

"He knows he's coming to a well-run, professional club with aspirations that are growing all the time.

"We want him to be a part of it - and he can be a massive part of it."

Ford also believes the success of Hull KR players on dual-reg at York this term - in particular Liam Harris, Will Jubb and Kieran Moran - will have helped persuade the Aussie to come to Bootham Crescent.

"I hope so," said the head coach. "I would imagine he's had conversations with the boys who've been here and I'd like to think those players are really enjoying what we do and how we do things."

Hull KR boss Tim Sheens said: “This is an opportunity for Jake to get a regular run of matches.

"With the likes of Justin Carney, Thomas Minns and Andrew Heffernan all due back over the coming weeks, we weren’t in a position to guarantee the amount of game time Jake needs over the next few months.

“He’s fully understanding of the situation and is looking forward to making an impact with York.

"The Knights have got a lot to play for themselves and this also gives them some consistency in terms of selection because they’ve been a very good partner for us this year.”