HULL KR teenager Joe Cator will line up against York City Knights on Sunday - with the expectation of turning out FOR them this year.

The highly-rated back-rower, who earned a new two-year contract at Craven Park last term, is among a number of Robins young guns reportedly being earmarked for dual-reg stints at the ambitious League One outfit in 2018.

Rovers boss Tim Sheens also says he expects more established first-teamers to turn out for their partner club this year as they come back from injury - a dual-reg ploy which is controversial for some fans of lower-league teams.

Hull-born Cator, who made 10 first-team appearances for Rovers in 2017 after progressing through the City of Hull Academy, says he is keen to catch the eye of not only Sheens in this weekend's Ben Cockayne Testimonial but also Knights head coach James Ford.

“The York game is my total focus," said the 19-year-old, who is expected to come off the bench on Sunday. "I’m training hard and I’m as keen as can be to be involved.

“I want to show the coach what I can do – not only Tim but their coach James Ford, too.

“I’ve not had any conversation with York yet but Webbo (James Webster, KR assistant coach) pulled me aside and told me I’d be featuring a lot at York which will be great for me.

“I imagine I’ll have some contact with them one way or another in the friendly.”

Cator, having put on extra pounds this pre-season, feels ready to move up to the next grade against bigger men on a weekly basis.

“I’ve really enjoyed this pre-season – I’m definitely developing well and feeling good,” he said.

“Last year I was too light but I’ve put more weight on, about four kilos, but the aim is to keep going and I’m getting there.

“I turn 20 in June and I’m too old for the Academy now, so the first team is the aim. I want to play in as many games as I can and we’ll see what happens during the season.

“I need to be stepping it up now, 100 per cent, and playing against men is only going to benefit me week in week out. The physicality of my opponents is going to be tougher to compete with so that’s going to improve my game. It’s a test that I’m looking forward to.”

Sheens, meanwhile, has outlined how he will look to utilise the partnership with York.

“A number of our younger guys will be playing at York this year but also those who are coming back from injuries could also go there for game-time," said the former Australia coach.

"Not everybody we send to York will be a youngster for example. We found it really beneficial last year sending a number of players there for a couple of weeks before re-introducing them into our side.

“I’ve got to rotate the squad a lot this year and we want every player to have a match at least every two to three weeks. It’s important we keep everybody healthy and our partnership with York gives us just one option to do so."