YORK KNIGHTS have signed Hull FC hooker Denive Balmforth on a season-long loan deal.

Since joining Hull from Warrington Wolves in 2022, the Leeds-born player has made 30 appearances, scoring seven tries.

Balmforth spent time on loan at Catalans Dragons last year, scoring three times in ten appearances before returning to the MKM Stadium for the end of the season.

He also earned his first two caps for Wales in recent weeks, featuring twice against Ireland.

York boss Mark Applegarth said: “Denive’s going to add an injection of pace out of nine.

“I’ve coached Denive in the England programmes coming through the youth ranks and I can’t thank Hull FC enough for letting us have a season-long loan.

“He could be anything he wants to be. He’s got all the ability in the world for his age.

“I’m really excited about working with him again. I think the York fans will really enjoy watching him play, especially if we get on the front foot.

“Denive’s a great nine to come off the bench and inject some pace and he can’t ask for a better mentor to be learning how to play nine off than (first-choice hooker) Paul McShane.

“I’m really looking forward to working with him and he’ll be a massive addition to the squad.”