YORK City Knights have not ruled out a surprise move for veteran prop Darrell Griffin after his controversial release by Featherstone Rovers.

The former Wakefield, Huddersfield, Leeds Rhinos and Salford packman should have been lining up for Rovers against the Knights tomorrow when the sides meet in a pre-season friendly at Post Office Road (3pm).

But he was sacked by the Championship big guns on grounds of gross misconduct, having breached his contract by making three appearances for Morley RFC without written permission from club chiefs. Controversy grew when Griffin's brother, Hull FC star Josh, then claimed on social media that the forward had been given the green light by Rovers coach John Duffy.

Now a free agent, Griffin, 36, is likely to be courted by several clubs in the Championship, with Toronto Wolfpack potentially among them now they are short of props, having recently sacked three frontmen themselves in ex-Paramatta star Fuifui Moimoi, former Leeds packman Ryan Bailey and Australian international Dave Taylor.

A season in French rugby league could also be an option, but fallen giants Bradford Bulls - whom York host on the first day of the League One season next month - are also rumoured to be interested, suggesting a move to the third tier is an option for the top-flight veteran, notwithstanding his wage demands.

Furthermore, when asked if the Knights might also make a move, neither chairman John Flatman nor head coach James Ford ruled it out, and they declined to say whether they had spoken to the player.

Flatman said: "Recruitment at York City Knights is '24/7' 365 days of the days. If players come onto the market we will make a decision based on finance, ability and value."

Ford said: "We are always looking to strengthen. We would not necessarily rule any player out, nor would we rule anyone in."

It is understood Rovers chairman Mark Campbell was involved in the decision to sack Griffin. Campbell is also a benefactor at York but it is unclear if this would have any bearing on a possible Knights move for the player.

A statement from Featherstone general manager Davide Longo said of the sacking: "We have a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to gross misconduct. We are undoubtedly disappointed by Darrell's decision to play another contact sport while under contract with the club. RFL players' contracts clearly state that permission to do so must be granted, in writing, by a chief executive or chairman."