YORK City Knights have announced the loan signing of Castleford Tigers prop Tyla Hepi on an initial two-week deal.

Hepi, 28, joined Castleford ahead of the 2020 campaign after impressing for Toulouse Olympique in the Betfred Championship.

Prior to joining the Betfred Super League club, he made over 100 appearances for the French outfit between 2016 and his departure at the end of the 2019 season.

With a reputation as a hard-hitting forward, Hepi will bring more strength to the Knights pack in the coming weeks as the club look to hit form in the Championship.

On Hepi’s signing, Knights Head Coach James Ford said: “I’m absolutely delighted to bring Tyla to the club. He is a player I’ve admired for a long time.

“He’s a player with a lot of aggression and tenacity and I’m looking forward to seeing the impact he will have on our team and performances.”

Hepi himself said: “I’d like to say a big thank you to York and all involved for making it happen.

“For my time here I’m looking to get some well-needed game time and playing under fatigue with experienced players, I know York have an abundance of knowledgeable players who have played at the top level for some time so hopefully I can learn from them and James Ford and also add value to the team through enthusiasm and tenacity.”

Auckland-born Hepi will be sponsored by Trade Cars 4 U and could make his Knights debut this Sunday against Batley Bulldogs in the Betfred Championship clash at the LNER Community Stadium.