YORK City Knights have signed former England Academy half-back Cain Southernwood from Hunslet on an initial one-month loan.

The 26-year-old has played more than 100 games for Whitehaven and Batley in the Betfred Championship, and stood out for Hunslet in League One in 2018.

He is a product of the Wakefield Trinity academy system, and previously turned out in Super League for Bradford Bulls.

He joins the Knights after a demanding Easter schedule of fixtures, helping cover the loss of Ben Cockayne, who has been ruled out for eight weeks with a knee injury.

Knights boss James Ford said: “Cain comes with plenty of Championship experience and a desire to get back playing to his best.

"He has the potential to be a quality player for the Knights if his attitude towards hard work and attention to detail is where it needs to be.

"I'd like to thank Darren Williams (Hunslet director of rugby) and Gary Thornton (Hunslet coach) for facilitating the move."

Southernwood goes straight into contention for the trip to Toulouse this weekend, for Saturday's tough clash between second and fourth.