GATESHEAD Thunder's highly-rated Thorman brothers have both signed for York City Knights.

The Evening Press revealed a fortnight ago that the Knights had emerged as favourites to recruit the Tyneside-based duo after they attended the club's first training session of pre-season, and that status was confirmed last night as they both penned deals at Huntington Stadium.

Hooker Neil and half-back Paul - younger brothers of former London Broncos, Yorkshire Origin and Parramatta star Chris - have been the star attractions at Gateshead in recent years, but were always expected to leave the Thunderdome this closed season.

And the Press believes they chose York ahead of LHF Healthplan National League Two rivals Workington Town despite the fact the Cumbrians offered a more lucrative contract and a more guaranteed starting place.

Knights chief executive Steve Ferres was quick to praise the youngsters' commitment to the crusade after they impressed at training even before agreeing terms with the club.

"I'm delighted with the boys' attitude to training. The fact it's a 200-mile round trip for them adds to that," he said.

"They had the opportunity to go to Workington but they've decided to come here despite the fact they will have tough competition for a starting place - with Jim Elston and Lee Jackson at hooker, and Chris Levy, Scott Rhodes, Chris Ross, Jon Liddell and Mark Cain all able to play half-back.

"They're willing to come and fight for their place because of the partnership we've got with Leeds Rhinos and the coaching ability of the staff."

The Thormans' arrival takes the number in the Knights squad for 2005 up to 23. The recruitment is unlikely to end there, though the coaching staff will probably now take stock of what they have.

Ferres added: "Nobody is a guaranteed first-team starter. Everybody has to fight for a place and the team will be picked on form.

"They will all want to start. We've got 23 players now but there are only 17 shirts.

"It's how the squad works together that will determine what we do for the season."

Updated: 09:58 Wednesday, November 24, 2004