YORK City Knights have confirmed the signing of Hull KR half-back Joe Keyes on a two-week loan deal with the 25-year-old coming into contention for Sunday’s Betfred Championship match against Sheffield Eagles.

Enfield-born Keyes started his career with London Broncos, making his debut for the club in 2014, before moving North when he signed for Bradford Bulls. He made 60 appearances for the West Yorkshire club and, in 2018, helped them to promotion via the League One Play-Offs after finishing second in the league behind the Knights.

The half-back has represented Ireland eight times to date and, in late 2019, he was one of five Bradford players to sign for Hull KR. He made five appearances for the Robins last year.

Keyes brings a further half-back option to the squad, a squad which has several players set to return from injury over the next fortnight but with question marks over a few heading into our Betfred Championship Round Two fixture against Sheffield.

On the signing of Keyes, Knights head coach James Ford said: “I’m absolutely delighted to bring in Joe. I’ve known him for a number of years from games we’ve played against him and that I’ve previewed. He brings a great attacking threat and he’ll bring a lot to our performances and preparation.”

Keyes himself said: “I’m really happy to have signed on loan for the Knights. The club have been doing great things on and off the field so the chance to come and play some games here is really exciting for me.

“I’m looking forward to working with Fordy and the lads and hoping to do my bit for the team and contributing as best I can.”