HEAD coach James Ford joked that Kieren Moss was playing terribly for York City Knights - in the hope parent club Hull Kingston Rovers would not recall him any time soon.

The Australian ace scored a brace of tries against London Skolars on Sunday to take his tally up to six from eight appearances, having been an ever-present since joining the Knights on loan on the eve of the season.

It was initially thought the 24-year-old would be in the Minster city for a month but the agreement has seemingly turned into an indefinite loan - and Ford does not want it to end.

"He's playing rubbish, Hull KR wouldn't want him back," he laughed. "Don't tell them anything else."

But he added: "In all seriousness, Kieren is a delight to work with.

"The guy has played in the NRL, he contributes to our team meetings and to our training and he's a very good role model in terms of how he prepares. And he plays to a very good standard.

"He's a good player and I'm enjoying working with him and I'm confident he's enjoying his time here."

Moss's fellow loanee, St Helens youngster Aaron Smith, also bagged a brace in the 66-6 win over the Skolars in his second outing for the Knights as interchange hooker.

Indeed he caught the eye throughout his 40 minutes on the pitch, and Ford, suggesting he didn't twig that the hooker was on a hat-trick, quipped: "If I'd realised he'd got two tries I would've left him on a bit longer.

"He selects his opportunities to run really effectively. He's quick and strong in the wrestle. He deserved the ovation he got when he came off."

It is unclear if Smith will be available for Sunday's Ladbrokes Challenge Cup tie against Catalans Dragons as St Helens might not want him cup-tied.

However, Moss played in the third and fourth round wins over Askam and Swinton so would be available assuming Hull KR don't recall him from his loan in the meantime.