YORK City Knights boss James Ford has hailed the attitudes - as well as the ability - of his two loan stars from Hull KR.

Junior Vaivai and Will Oakes have formed a lethal attacking partnership on the left flank in their two outings so far, with Vaivai creating three tries and scoring two and Oakes likewise on the mark twice.

Both proved to be key performers as the Knights won at Widnes in the Championship before seeing off Newcastle in the 1895 Cup on Sunday - with American international Vaivai the man of the match both times. They could well be important players for York in their big clash with fellow high-fliers Toulouse Olympique on Saturday, too.

Ford, though, said their impact had been felt not just in games but in training too, describing their attitudes around the place as "very very good", with Oakes also kicking on following his dual-reg involvement with York last season.

Said Ford: "I'm enjoying working with them. They bring a lot to our squad and to our training.

"Junior has already taken a bit of a leadership role with the outside backs.

"(On the pitch) he is explosive. His physiology is really explosive - he can beat people with his footwork, he's strong, and he's got a fair turn of pace for a bloke of that size as well.

"He's got a good mind as well in terms of how to create space for his winger. He's a proper centre and we're enjoying having him here. In both games he's come up with big plays for us.

"Will's improved in a few areas compared to last year. He's always been a handful but some little things in his game, such as his awareness and his kick chase, have come up another level and that highlights the good job the Hull KR coaches have done with him."

Ford, unsurprisingly, confirmed he would like both Vaivai and Oakes to remain at Bootham Crescent beyond their one-month loan spells.

Asked if longer stays would be possible, the 36-year-old - himself widely touted as Hull KR's next head coach - said: "We will cross that bridge when we come to it.

"They're both enjoying their rugby here, we're happy to have them and hopefully Hull KR will be happy for them to be here.

"I would like them to stay but ultimately it's not my decision, it's Hull KR's, and we will respect whatever call they make."