YORK City Knights have re-signed popular back-rower Joe Batchelor on a one-month loan from St Helens.

The 24-year-old - who originally joined York as a relative unknown from Coventry Bears in 2016 - was instrumental in the Knights' Betfred League One title-winning team last year. His performances, including 23 tries in 27 appearances, eventually earned him a three-year Super League deal with the 'Red V'.

Batchelor is unavailable for Sunday's Betfred Championship fixture at Dewsbury Rams but will be considered for selection in the upcoming games against Barrow, Bradford Bulls and Leigh.

Head coach James Ford - who first worked with Batchelor at Wakefield College - said: "Joe is a good player with a great attitude, and I'm pleased he's coming back to us.

"It's an environment he knows and trusts well and he will contribute to the culture in the squad. There's some quality competition for places in this team and that is a real positive at this level."

He added: "We're really pleased to bring Joe back to the club and we wouldn't be in this position if people in and around York didn't get behind us as they do.

"If the players continue to give everything like they have on the field, the people around York will continue to give us their support and allow us to keep our players and add to the squad."

Ford does not believe, though, that this relationship with St Helens could be explored further, with the Merseyside outfit already sharing a dual-reg partnership with Championship outfit Leigh.

He said: "Leigh are a great club and well-respected, and logistically it's better for St Helens.

"We're grateful to them for trusting us with his development, and hopefully we can pick up some league points at the same time."