COMPETITION for prop-forward places at York City Knights is hotting up after the signing of Australian Gary Green.

The 28-year-old front-rower has joined the Huntington Stadium club after spending the majority of last season playing for Batley Bulldogs Reserve Grade Academy side.

Knights general manager Ian Wilson said Horsforth-based Green would add strength to the National Two side’s forward pack.

Prior to his arrival, there were only five props on the books – Adam Sullivan, Danny Ekis, Scott Woodcock, Adam Endersby and Jack Stearman.

Said Wilson: “He played against us in the Reserve Grade Academy last season. He came off the bench and scored with his second touch.

“He contacted us to say he was looking for a club, and we have been looking for another prop for a number of weeks.

“We have got nothing to lose. We will bring him in for pre-season and have a look at him and if he does well he could be here for the season.

“We need competition for places in the front row.

“We’ve got two recognised senior props in Adam Sullivan and Danny Ekis, and then three (Woodcock, Endersby and Stearman) who are making their way in National Two.”

He added: “Batley had a lot of props in their squad last season – and some good ones too. So it was going to be difficult for him to break in.”

Paul Harrison, Batley’s general manager, coached Green in the Academy last season and said Knights had signed a “dynamic” player.

“He’s got a lot of ability and could be a really good player for York,” he said.

“He’s very quick for a big guy and a dynamic player.

“He had a problem with work commitments last season and could not cement a place in the first team. He played a lot of games in pre-season but, once the season kicked in, he lost his way with work.”