John Gay offered long-term Knights deal (From York Press)

John Gay offered long-term York City Knights deal

10:41am Saturday 21st January 2012 in Knights RL By Dave Flett, Sports reporter

HOOKER John Gay has been offered the chance to join York City Knights.

Gay has impressed head coach Chris Thorman during a trial period at Huntington Stadium that has included appearances in the pre-season friendlies against Leeds and Keighley.

Previously on Hull KR’s books until a year ago, Gay could now join the Knights’ ranks for the 2012 Championship season.

Speaking ahead of this evening’s home game with a young Hull team, Thorman said: “We’re hoping to sign John Gay in the coming days.

“He’s done really well during his trial here. Despite breaking his finger, he’s not missed a training session and has soldiered on with a splint waiting for an opportunity to play.

“He’s toughed it out and got on with things and his distribution and work rate really impressed me during the friendlies.

“His attitude has been fantastic as well and he has the kind of spirit I want at the club.”

Gay will bolster a 28-strong Knights squad and, with all Thorman’s players currently fit and available, the former England international admitted he could have some selection headaches going into the new campaign.

He added: “Competition for places is always good even though it makes my job harder.

“Everyone thinks they are good enough to be in the starting team and I’d agree with them.”

Tonight’s 6pm clash will be the penultimate pre-season test for Knights, following a 28-26 defeat to Keighley and a 26-18 victory over Leeds under-20s.

A Castleford side will wrap-up the warm-up matches a week tomorrow and, on his expectations against Hull, Thorman said: “We will be giving players run outs to see where we are at and where we need to improve.

“We’ve improved game by game and I want that to continue.

“I thought the young players did really well against Keighley, especially alongside the more experienced players in the second half.

“The Hull side will have a fair bit to prove themselves as well, so I’m expecting a good game.”

Thorman will also give himself a game against his former club, having sat out the first two friendlies.

He explained: “It’s tough to make calls if you are in the thick of it and in the heat of the battle. That’s the reason I brought in another coach in Mick Cook and why I sat out the first two games.

“But it’s time for me to get on the field, put my boots on and do the stuff that I’m here to do. I’m probably more excited about this season than any other in my career, including my times as a full-time player in the Super League.”

Team: Bush, Haynes, Ford, Garside, Pryce, Thorman, Tansey, Sullivan, Lee, King, Clarke, Haughey, Aldous.

• Knights close-season transfer target Gareth Moore has joined Batley Bulldogs.