FORMER Press Player of the Year Nathan Freer is back at Huntington Stadium – but it is another prop star who appears more likely to return to the ranks tomorrow as York City Knights look to salvage pride at Doncaster.

Chris Green, who has played five times in Super League this term for Hull, was left out of the Airlie Birds squad for their trip to London today and instead has been made available on dual-registration for the Knights for the first time this term.

And, while the controversial dual-reg system continues to fire debate, Knights fans probably won’t bemoan his arrival, allied to that of Freer, at a time when Gary Thornton’s men need a boost as they bid to bounce back from last week’s downer at Keighley.

Thornton, with a busy Easter period afoot in the Kingstone Press Championship, was certainly delighted to have the pair in contention, with Green likely to play at loose-forward tomorrow (3pm) - subject to a 10.30am Keepmoat pitch inspection tomorrow - having started three times for Hull in that role.

Said Thornton of the 23-year-old, who made seven appearances for York last year before breaking into Hull’s first team: “When you get players of that quality made available, you can’t turn them down, plus he’s been at York, he’s not new to it, and I have no doubts he will give his all again.

“It’s Hull’s call (on how long he will be made available).

“It appears Josh Bowden has pushed in front of him there but it depends on form and Hull’s injury situation.

“But it’s good we’re getting people on board and some competition for places at last. We’re not the biggest squad in the league and it’s good to get numbers back.”

Freer, 23, has agreed new terms at York after the end of his college rugby union commitments and so returns for a third spell at the club.

His arrival is well-timed as fellow prop Adam Sullivan is now out for three games after treatment on his troublesome knee, while Luke Stenchion also soon faces a short spell on the sidelines due to a cortisone injection and Matt Nicholson is to be out long term once he undergoes shoulder surgery after Easter.

Said Thornton: “Nathan’s not that old but he’s experienced at this level and knows what he’s doing.

“It might be a bit early to put him straight in (tomorrow) but we’ll see. It puts pressure on other guys.”

Thornton also welcomes stand-off Simon Brown back from injury and young prop Austin Bell is again in contention.

Winger George Elliott faces a late test on his injured hip, while Thornton is contemplating switching James Haynes to the other wing from centre.

The head coach says individual pride will be at stake tomorrow for whoever plays.

“I’ve said all along there are no easy games in this division. You get out what you put in and last week was well below par,” he said.

“The good thing about sport is you get a quick opportunity to put things right. This is a chance for players who let themselves down last week to show what they can do. They need to put personal pride back into their performance.

“I’m all for pride in the shirt and togetherness, but I’m also big on individual pride and this week is about individual pride for those players who underperformed last week.

“I’ve got faith in them. We’ve seen they can do it. We have to find consistency.”

As for hosts Doncaster, Thornton warned of their potency, even if they are new to the Championship.

“They’re impressive at home,” he said. “They’ve got some pace and Paul Cooke is always a threat with the ball and with his kicking game.

“They’re a big set as well and will be a test for any team, especially on their own turf.

“They can play an expansive game and it will be tough for us defensively.

But it’s all about us this week and how we react.”

Knights (possible): Carr, Haynes, Latus, Briscoe, Elliott/B Dent, Brown, Nicklas, Aldous, Lee, Potter, Smith, Scott, Green. Subs: from Stenchion, Nicholson, Bell, Iley, Presley, Hadley, Freer.

Referee: Matt Thomason (Warrington).