York City Knights sign Super League forward

York City Knights have confirmed the capture of Huddersfield Giants’ prop Ronan Michael on a one-year loan deal.

21-year old Michael initially signed for the Giants’ first-team for the 2019 season before, in January 2020, moving to NRL club Canberra Raiders to play for their under-20s team. Despite not playing any matches due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Michael returned to Huddersfield and, in 2020, made his debut for the club against eventual Grand Final runners up Wigan Warriors.

This season saw first-team opportunities with Huddersfield scarce and this saw the Balbriggan-born forward join Swinton Lions on loan in May, a move that was extended to the end of the campaign.

On his new recruit, Knights Head Coach James Ford said: “I’m pleased to strengthen our middle options with Ronan. He’s a hard-working and tough player that’s keen to add little bits to his game here and there.

“I’m really looking forward to working with him and helping him fulfil his potential.”

Discussing his move, Michael admitted he was delighted to join the club and pointed to his trips to the LNER Community Stadium last season.

“To be honest, I played at York twice last year when I was on loan at Swinton and we faced a very good side but, more than that, the atmosphere from the fans was outstanding. They don’t stop chanting for the whole eighty minutes.

“The facility at the stadium, as well, is absolutely outstanding and they’re clearly a very good side. As Fordy has said to me, we’re looking to push even further this year and try to make it all the way up.

“It’s a very competitive side and I’m really looking forward to getting amongst it, getting around the lads and I’m really keen to rip in with a good Championship side in a competitive competition.”

Ahead of joining the club, the Irish prop revealed that a 2021 Knights loanee sang the praises of the club. “Aidan McGowan doesn’t stop talking about his time up at York, he absolutely loved it. I think that might have been because he scored with his first touch – I’ve heard that story far too many times!”

“Aidan is one of my best mates and when he came to visit me in Ireland he was telling me all about his time at York. When I got the opportunity to come to York, I was over the moon. Aidan has been telling me all the great things about the club, from the facilities, the setup and how professional it is for a Championship club.”

A motivating factor for Michael throughout 2021 will no doubt be a possible World Cup spot with his national team.

“That’s another thing and a massive goal for me. With the World Cup pushed back a year, it’s another opportunity for me to get as many games as possible against grown men under my belt. It’s a huge, huge year for me to perform to my best to hopefully be picked to represent Ireland at the end of the year in the World Cup.

“It’s a really important year for me and I feel like there will be no better place than York for me to develop my game, really rip in and get some minutes playing against grown men.”