Knights to benefit from Tansey’s wish to leave

Tansey, the former Leeds, Sydney Roosters, Hull and Crusaders ace, became the Knights’ marquee signing of the off-season having failed to tie down a new full-time contract in Super League.

But he has made no secret of his wish to make it a short stay and get back into the top echelon of British rugby league as soon as possible, not least with comments on Twitter.

Player-boss Thorman, though, reckons it would be disappointing if the 25-year-old did not want to play at a higher level again, even if it meant a Super League club could activate a clause in his contract and take him away, leaving the Knights shorn of a key playmaker.

“If he’s playing well for us he will be in the shop window,” said the player-boss. “Super League sides won’t want a one-off performance, they will want to see consistent performances for us – which means he’ll have to play well for us.

“When you’ve been in the full-time environment, that’s what you want to do. I’m pleased he wants to get back there. If he didn’t, then what’s the point of playing?

“All my players would snap your hand off for a full-time contract and that’s what being a professional sportsman is about – wanting to be the best, striving for greatness and being the best you can be. If you want to be a full-time pro in this country, then you want to play in Super League.”

Tansey’s last spell in the Championship was a short one. After being sacked by Hull on the eve of the 2011 season, he stayed at Dewsbury for only a month before being snapped up by Crusaders. His 18-month contract in Wales, though, was curtailed when the club quit Super League at the end of last season.

Thorman added: “When we signed him I said if I could help him to get back into Super League then great. We would like to hold onto him longer than a couple of games but if he’s playing well for us then he will attract some attention.

“But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Let’s see him improve and play well for the Knights.”