York sign Super League duo

York City Knights have signed hooker Corey Johnson and centre Corey Hall on loan from Leeds Rhinos.

20-year-old Johnson made his Betfred Super League debut for the Rhinos in their last match of the 2019 season after previously signing a four-year deal with the club.

The former England Academy international then retired from rugby league as a teenager to focus on a career outside of the game.

This week, however, he has returned to the Rhinos before signing immediately on loan for the Knights for the remainder of the season.

On his signing, Knights’ Head Coach James Ford said: “Corey is a very talented hooker with good deception, running game and support play.

“I enjoyed working with CJ at England and I’m confident he will have a positive impact on our performances. I’d like to thank everyone involved in helping this deal come through.”

Johnson said: “Obviously, York are a great club with a great set of players. When speaking to Fordy, it seemed like the perfect fit for me personally and a great opportunity for me to start back my journey to what I want to achieve in the sport, so I couldn’t pass it up.

“Working with Fordy before has given me an insight into how he operates and what he’s like as a coach, so I can’t wait to learn and develop from what he has to offer. I can’t wait to get started!”

The Knights have also signed centre Corey Hall on loan from the Rhinos.

18-year-old Hall made his Betfred Super League debut for Leeds Rhinos last season against Catalans after joining the club ahead of the 2020 campaign, signing a three-year deal with the Rhinos.

He was named in the 22-man England Academy squad that travelled to Wales at the end of 2019 and Hall adds further depth to the Knights’ outside backs for his time with the club.

On Hall’s acquisition, Knights’ Head Coach James Ford said: “Corey is a talented three quarter who has the potential to make a significant impact on our performances.

“Corey is another player who represented England academy and I’m excited to work with him again. Once again, I’d like to thank Leeds and everyone involved in this deal.”

Hall himself added: “I’m hoping to get the game experience I want to progress in my career at a young age and to the best I can for York. It really excites me to be working under Fordy again!”