YORK City Knights loanee Ata Hingano "ticks all the boxes" James Ford is looking for at half-back, the head coach has said.

Hingano will join up with York on loan from Leigh Centurions ahead of next month's trip to Dewsbury Rams on Sunday, August 7 (3pm).

The half-back will stay with the Knights until the end of the season as Ford's side look to finish the Betfred Championship season strongly amid a current run of three straight defeats.

With past experience in the top-flight of both the NRL and Super League to his name - with New Zealand Warriors, Canberra Raiders and Salford Red Devils - as well as international pedigree too - through Tonga - Hingano brings plenty of quality to the LNER Community Stadium.

York head coach James Ford said: “I’m very pleased to be able to bring Ata to the Knights.

"He is a player with outstanding individual ability and somebody that I feel will fit into our systems and enhance our level of play.

“He is a left-footed half with good evasive skills and someone with a real creative mind.

"Ata is a strong defender as well – when he hits people, they stay hit. He ticks all the boxes for me as a half-back.

"I’m really looking forward to working with him, helping him get up to speed with our calls and get him settled in to help him play to the very top of his game as that’s what he is here for.

“He’s a quality player and I’m going to do everything I possibly can to get him playing to the very best of his ability."

Ford went on to pay credit to those that made the deal to bring Hingano to York possible.

He added: “I’d like to thank Leigh Centurions, Craig Harrison (agent) and Clint Goodchild (York chairman) for getting it done as swiftly as we have.
It’s a testament to the professionalism of all involved.

"I’d like to thank our supporters and sponsors who have been with us through thick and thin in the last few years.

"Without their support, we wouldn’t be in a position to bring players of this calibre to York."