AUSSIE centre Jake Butler-Fleming is apparently coming back to York City Knights - just two months after leaving for Toronto Wolfpack.

The news was revealed, oddly, by Bradford Bulls boss John Kear, although it is yet to be confirmed by either York or Toronto - with Knights chairman Jon Flatman remaining tight-lipped and simply saying that "recruitment is ongoing".

Butler-Fleming has been playing for Bradford on loan from the Canadian big-guns - with Kear divulging the player's imminent turnabout switch to York when announcing the Bulls' recruitment on loan of Castleford back Jy Hitchcox and Toronto second-row James Laithwaite.

Kear said: “As soon as we knew we were losing Jake, we felt we had to do something and that was the result."

He added of the Aussie: “Jake’s obviously got his reasons. I thought he was settling in quite well and enjoying himself at the Bulls.

“You don’t know what goes on in people’s minds and hearts.

“I know he’s got lots of friends at York and he’s returning over that way to live with the Hull KR full-back Anthony Quinlan. They are massive mates and that may well have played a part.

“We wish him well – except when York play us obviously.”

Knights chairman Jon Flatman, when asked about Butler-Fleming, said: "We're always searching for players and recruitment is ongoing.

"If a quality player comes onto the market, we'd be interested. As soon as a player is signed and registered with the Rugby Football League, the fans will be the first to know."

Former Penrith Panthers junior Butler-Fleming played five times on loan for York from Hull Kingston Rovers last year, and signed a permanent deal in the winter. However, he was transferred to League One champions Toronto - for an undisclosed fee, on a full-time deal - on the eve of the new season.

He has since played only once for the Wolfpack - scoring two tries in the Championship leaders' 52-12 win at Swinton - and twice on loan for Bradford, notching one try and one man-of-the-match award.

Knights head coach James Ford likewise refused to comment on Kear's words but he said of the Aussie: "Jake's a good player, a centre potentially of Super League calibre.

"I really enjoyed the time I had coaching him last year and earlier this year, and when he left, he left on good terms.

"We're always looking to strengthen the side and improve the club."