MARK APPLEGARTH admits he would like to keep Denive Balmforth at York Knights – but stopped short of saying any potential move was on the cards.
Hooker Balmforth has been one of the standouts for York since arriving at the Super League debutants on a season-long loan from Hull FC.
He has so far scored six times in 21 appearances, and showed his parent club what they have been missing with the pick of the Knights’ tries in Thursday’s 20-16 win.
The 23-year-old, one of three options at nine alongside Paul McShane and Tom Inman, has undoubtedly caught the eye during his time in North Yorkshire, with Applegarth admitting he would be keen on the idea of making Balmforth’s move a permanent one.
“I’m very respectful that he’s a Hull FC player still, but would I like Denive permanently? 100 percent I would,” he said.
“I love the kid to bits. I’ve got a good history with Denive, I’ve known him since he was 16 years old, and he knows me.
“I think I can really help to develop his game, and I think he trusts me to develop his game.
“I’ll be very respectful of Hull and say that until they say that there is any movement there, then I’d rather not comment out of respect for Hull FC.”
Applegarth is glad to see him showing his potential.
“Denive’s got some really great traits to his game, and he’s got some really easy work-ons to fix up that would take him to that next level,” explained the Knights boss.
“I absolutely love working with the kid.
“I first watched Denive as a 14-year-old at Stanningley, and he’s a player that I’ve kept tracks on, so I’m really pleased to see him start to transfer the game he had as a junior into the top flight.”
The hooker, who came through Hull’s academy, is contracted to the East Yorkshire club until the end of 2028.
However, the Black and Whites have signed Alrix Da Costa from Catalans Dragons, whilst Amir Bourouh and Will Hutchinson are also options in the position, suggesting Balmforth’s future lies elsewhere.
Asked about his future at Hull, boss Andy Last insisted: “That’s a question for (CEO) Richie Myler, it’s not one for me.”