NEWCASTLE Thunder will likely have a new face on show against York City Knights on Sunday - and it's someone who could have been lining up the other way.

Young Hull KR forward Joe Cator, who played for York in pre-season and was tipped for a dual-reg spell at Bootham Crescent this term, has joined the in-form Tynesiders on loan and is set for his debut this weekend.

There will be considerably more familiar faces in Newcastle's ranks, with York-based duo Ben Dent and Tyler Craig plus former Knights captain Jack Aldous named in the visitors' squad. All may have a point to prove.

Cator, meanwhile, who made his senior debut for Hull KR in 2016 and featured for the Robins against Leeds Rhinos and St Helens this term, will be one to watch - especially as he goes up against Rovers club-mates in York's line-up.

Thunder boss Jason Payne said: “We’re delighted to bring in Joe on a month’s loan.

"He played a big part in helping KR get promoted back into the Super League last year and has played a couple of games in that this season.

“He’s a very versatile player and can play at hooker, back-row or middle and is highly rated by a lot of people in the game.

"He’s just the sort of quality we want to bring in and will help us while we have picked up a couple of injuries.

“Joe wants to make himself into a regular starter for KR and we hope we can help him in his development and play a part in achieving that goal.”

Knights boss James Ford was expecting a "tough challenge" from a team he says are very much in the promotion picture.

Newcastle lie seventh, amid a clutch of teams just two points off the play-off places, and are on a run of four straight wins - victory over York's last conquerors, Whitehaven, being the pick.

Said Ford: "They have some outstanding players and they're on a good run.

“We've had a good response since the Whitehaven (defeat) and we'll need the same.

"Our defensive efforts have been superb, our contact, attitude, and discipline to stay in system and build a real solid performance.

“Newcastle's season is definitely still alive.

“We're just past the half-way stage of the season and they're on a good run.

“When I watch them play I see a lot of quality there with threats all across the field.

“Lewis Young is very quick and strong and we'll need to make sure we're aware of his presence.

“They've got a number of good players.

“They've got some hard-working blokes in the middle and pace and power in the back line.”

Notable absentees, though, are dangerous full-back Tee Ritson and attack-minded French scrum-half Remy Marginet.

The speedy Young, recently playing at centre, could switch to fill either role, though former Knights winger Dent could be a replacement at full-back and Tom Shaw at half-back.

Newcastle (possible): Dent, Agoro, Brown, Young, Craig, Brook, Shaw, McAvoy, Pointer, Luckley, Clarke, Calland, J Aldous. Subs: from Fitzsimmons, Rennie, H Aldous, Cator, Gowing, Ollett.