NEW York City Knights signing Conor McGrath looks likely to go straight into the team for Sunday's visit of fellow Betfred Championship high-fliers Sheffield Eagles.

McGrath has arrived on a month's loan from Halifax and, while head coach James Ford was leaving it late to decide whether to throw him straight in after only two training sessions with his new team-mates, there is a good chance he will make his Bootham Crescent bow.

The 22-year-old in any case bolsters York's back-line options, in a timely fashion too after Jason Bass - who switched from centre to the wing for last Sunday's win over Halifax following Perry Whiteley's last-minute withdrawal - joined an injury list which already comprised widemen Ash Robson and Matt Chilton.

Ford had been left with only young Judah Mazive and untested teenager Kevin Brown as fit wingers, although Whiteley is available again now too after overcoming his migraine issue.

Mazive, Whiteley and McGrath are all in the 19-man squad for Sunday vying for the wing berths, while Ford's other decision to make is who to start in the second row, with Joe Batchelor, Sam Scott and Josh Jordan-Roberts all in the 19.

Fit-again Scott made his first appearance of the season last week and if selected will go up against his former club, with whom he enjoyed two spells, reaching back-to-back Championship Grand Finals in 2011 and 2012.

Ford said: "I've got to weigh up a few things and decide a little bit later.

"Whichever permutations we go with, there's quality there. We've just got to make sure the boys' 'readiness' is right up there.

"Sheffield will really challenge us. We will have to be at our maximum intensity for 80 minutes."

With Bass ruled out after taking "a knock", Brad Hey is recalled at centre, while Will Jubb is a natural replacement at hooker for Harry Carter, who pulled a hamstring against Halifax.

On bringing former Salford Academy youngster McGrath into the mix, Ford said: "I feel we need competition.

"He's a good finisher, he's sharp, he carries a threat, he will work hard for the team coming out of yardage and he's safe as well.

"He's got a good attitude and he trains well. He adds to our environment and to our quality in training which in my opinion has a massive impact on our performances."

McGrath, who can also play at centre, burst onto the first-team scene at Halifax in 2017 when scoring a hat-trick in a Championship match against Sheffield, and he has featured in the Fax teams that finished in the top four in both 2017 and 2018.

Ford added of the signing: “I’m pleased to bring in an outside-back of Conor’s potential. I’d like to thank the supporters, sponsors and board for backing me again.

“Conor has the potential to be a quality player for the Knights if his attention to detail is where it needs to be. He needs to show a desire to work hard, learn and succeed.

"He’s coming from a great environment and I’m looking forward to working with him and facilitating his development.”

On his options on the wing this weekend, Ford said: "Judah has played really well so far this season but possibly didn't have his best game last week. You have to maintain high standards to get in this team and stay in."

Asked about Whiteley's migraine, he added: "That was a bit of an anomaly - it's not happened before while he's been with us and we don't see it being an issue going forward.

"I think he's evolving into a good winger. He's not there yet. There's stuff to work on but there's lots about him to like, especially his appetite to get better."

Meanwhile, McGrath said of joining York: “I’m really grateful to get an opportunity to play some Championship rugby, especially at a club that’s flying at the minute.

“Hopefully I can get out there and make an impression. I have a big month ahead of me and have to take my chances, as and when they come.”

Sheffield announced a dual-registration agreement with Super League side London Broncos today - and boss Mark Aston has called on it immediately, bringing in Scotland international Ben Hellewell, once a Knights loanee, and front-rower Sadiq Adebiyi.

They replace centre Jason Crookes, who dislocated a shoulder in last week's last-gasp win at Dewsbury, and prop Blake Broadbent - son of former Sheffield legend and inaugural Knights player-coach Paul - who begins a two-match ban.

Sonny Esslemont and Greg Burns are also added in the 19.

Half-back Anthony Thackeray - a former team-mate of Ford at Widnes and York - is another ex-Knight on show, forming an experienced half-back partnership with Pat Walker, having become Sheffield's marquee signing over the winter.

Another is prop Rory Dixon, who got few first-team chances at York last season before making the winter switch to the Eagles.

Knights: from Marsh, Whiteley, McGrath, Salter, Hey, Mazive, Cockayne, Robinson, Horne, Jubb, Teanby, Batchelor, Scott, Jordan-Roberts, Spears. Subs: Brining, Dixon, Blagbrough, Porter.

Sheffield (possible): Guzdek, Millar, Glover, Hellewell, Blackmore, Walker, Thackeray, R Dixon, Davey, James, Davies, Farrell, Brown. Subs: from Adebiyi, Knowles, G Burns, Makelim, P Burns, Esslemont.