YORK Knights head coach Andrew Henderson is hoping for more of the same from Jacob Gannon after an impressive start to his loan from Betfred Challenge Cup holders Leigh Leopards.

The 22-year old, who returned for a second spell with the Knights on Friday, went straight into Andrew Henderson’s squad against Betfred Championship title favourites Wakefield Trinity - with a combination of injury, suspension and loan recalls leaving the club with at least nine of their regular matchday squad unavailable.

Originally starting at prop, an early injury to second-rower Oli Field saw Gannon pushed out to the edge, where he was one of the only bright sparks in their eventual 50-6 defeat.

“We lost Oli Field after 20 minutes, so I had to move him to the left edge back row,” Henderson explained.

“It’s another position that’s put us under pressure. But I thought that Jacob did a tremendous job.

“He’d only had a couple of training sessions with us, and he’s been thrown in. And at Leigh this season he hasn’t had much game time himself.

“I thought he acquitted himself really, really well. I was really pleased with Jacob and I hope that he can continue those level of performances moving forward.”

York Press: Charlie Severs was recalled by Hull FC ahead of the fixture.Charlie Severs was recalled by Hull FC ahead of the fixture. (Image: Craig Hawkhead)

With fellow forwards Charlie Severs and Tom Nicholson-Watton also recalled by Hull FC and Leeds Rhinos ahead of the match, Henderson admitted the club was active in the transfer market to bring in reinforcements.

“We had probably nine of our starting 17 missing today, and then on top of that, Charlie Severs and Tom Nicholson-Watton were pulled back by their respective clubs this week too.

“That’s why we went in and got Jacob, because we were a bit thin on the ground, and we’ve brought in a French front-rower, Robin Hugues.

“He’s from Avignon, 24-years-old, 115 kilos and six foot four. He’s got some real leg speed there, and he’s raw.

“He may give us a point of difference, which I feel we need in our pack.

“We’ve got him over on trial at the moment, so we’ll see if and when he features.”