YORK City Knights’ half-back cover has decreased with the departure of Lee Williams – although they are in talks about a loan or dual-registration move to provide another option in their problem position.

Former Hull junior Williams, 20, who after an encouraging pre-season has had only one reserve outing, has not trained for three weeks.

General manager Ian Wilson said: “It’s disappointing. We had reasonably high hopes for him.”

The Press revealed yesterday that Castleford’s John Davies and Jordan Thompson were being earmarked for dual-reg returns. However, one dual-reg spot may instead be used for a new playmaker.