YORK City Knights have loaned in Leeds Rhinos youngsters Corey Johnson and Corey Hall.

Highly-rated hooker Johnson made his Betfred Super League at the end of the 2019 season for Leeds and previously played for York head coach James Ford at England academy.

He retired from rugby league to focus on a career outside the game but has returned to the Rhinos and secured a loan to York until the end of the year.

Johnson, 20, said: “York are a great club with a great set of players. When speaking to Fordy, it seemed like the perfect fit for me personally and a great opportunity for me to start back my journey to what I want to achieve in the sport, so I couldn’t pass it up.

“Working with Fordy before has given me an insight into how he operates and what he’s like as a coach, so I can’t wait to learn and develop from what he has to offer. I can’t wait to get started.”

Hall, another ex-England academy talent, debuted for the Rhinos in Super League last year. The length of his loan has not been disclosed.

The centre, 18, said: “I’m hoping to get the game experience I want to progress in my career at a young age and to the best I can for York."