YORK Knights have welcomed forward Franklin Pele and full-back Davy Litten as they look to move themselves away from the Betfred Championship relegation zone.

The pair, who arrive on initial two-week deals from Betfred Super League strugglers Hull FC, could make their respective debuts when the Knights host Halifax Panthers on Sunday (3pm).

They join former Heworth youngster Charlie Severs on loan from the Black and Whites - with the second-rower scoring twice in five appearances.

Andrew Henderson’s side have made an underwhelming start to the new league season, and are only kept off the bottom of the table by Dewsbury Rams after a solitary victory against Bradford Bulls.

Injuries and suspensions have not been helped by the retirement of star half-back Richie Myler - whom their pre-season was built around - who has now taken up a Director of Rugby role with the Black and Whites after a serious elbow ligament injury in Round One.

After the loss of destructive forward Pauli Pauli to Championship rivals Doncaster during the off-season, Pele adds some much-needed size to the Knights’ front row, something many fans have been keen to see.

The 23-year-old prop linked up with Hull during the off-season, having featured six times for NRL side Canterbury Bulldogs in 2023.

Also turning out for Cronulla Sharks, Pele has scored once in eight appearances for the Black and Whites this campaign, having served two separate suspensions - including a three-match ban in their cross-city derby with Hull KR.

Litten meanwhile, is a highly-rated full-back or outside back who has been one of the biggest success stories of the club’s academy.

Since making his Super League debut for Hull in August 2022, he has made a total of 23 appearances.

The 21-year-old scored all three of his tries for the club across 16 starts last campaign, earning him the club’s Young Player of the Year.

He also has Championship experience under his belt - having scored twice in six appearances for Whitehaven in 2022.

With first-choice full-back Will Dagger suspended this weekend after his sin-bin for dissent against Whitehaven a fortnight ago and youngster Myles Harrison injured, Litten will provide some welcome short-term cover in the role as the Knights look to move themselves up the table.

Henderson enthused: “I’m really pleased to bring both Davy and Franklin to the club ahead of this weekend.

“Franklin is the type of middle-unit player that we’ve been looking for and he is someone that will be able to give us a point of difference, so we’re very thankful to be able to acquire his services.

“He will give us some punch and some real go-forward through the middle, so I’m really looking forward to seeing what he will bring.

“Davy is a full-back or winger and with Will Dagger being suspended and Myles Harrison being injured, we felt that it was the right call to bring somebody in in that position.

“Davy is a promising young talent who has had experience at this level before on loan at Whitehaven and has had exposure in the Betfred Super League too. We’re really looking forward to seeing what he will bring to the team this week.

“Both Davy and Franklin are two quality players who I think are really going to add value to our team.

“I’d like to thank our Chairman Clint Goodchild for his support in bringing in these new recruits as well as Richie Myler at Hull FC for helping make these moves happen.”