YORK City Knights have turned to Super League to temporarily fill a void in their front row.

The Knights today signed Australian youngster Ryan Benjefield from Hull FC to fill the gap left by retired prop forward Rich Hayes.

The 21-year-old former Penrith Panthers academy prop has come to Huntington Stadium only on a month's loan, but it means the Knights have bought more time to find a long-term replacement for Hayes, who quit the game last week due to an ongoing shoulder injury.

Benjefield has played for the Airlie Birds in their pre-season friendlies but he probably needs more match fitness to get closer to a regular first team shirt, meaning his move to York will benefit both clubs.

His birthday means he is just too old to play for Hull's under-21 academy side, so his move to the National League Two outfit will give him all-important game-time while giving Knights coach Richard Agar more options for his front row, starting with Sunday's Arriva Trains Cup Yorkshire group encounter away to Dewsbury Rams.

Knights chief executive Steve Ferres said: "He's borderline on getting into Hull's first team but he can't play under-21s because he's just too old, so he's come here for some football.

"We've lost Richie Hayes and this move buys us some time to look around and hopefully he will come in and do a good job for us.

"Which watched him a few times and he's a very competent player."

The Knights had only two specialist props - Yusuf Sozi and Dan Briggs - available for last weekend's win at Gateshead and though Craig Forsyth returns this Sunday from a one-match suspension, the Knights otherwise had a front-row shortage will Hayes retired, Neil Mears injured and Joe Helme away on fire service training.

Ferres added: "We're delighted to have him (Benjefield). It will fill the hole that Rich has left and it gives us more options at prop. We feel we still need another prop long-term but this gives us some more to test the market.

"We've got close links with Hull FC. They know our situation and this move is mutually beneficial. Ryan gets game-time and we get a player to fill a void."

Benjefield will train for the first time with his new team-mates tonight and is likely to go straight into the squad on Sunday.

The Knights Supporters' Club are running a bus to Sunday's game at Dewsbury, with the following departure times:

Haxby (Catholic Church in Holly Tree Lane) 12.30pm, Huntington Stadium 12.45, New Lane (opposite Anthea Drive) 12.50, Dodsworth Avenue 12.55, Clarence Street (opposite Vets) 1pm, Blossom Street (opposite Odeon) 1.10, Tadcaster Road (Marriott Hotel) 1.15.

To book a seat call the club office on 01904 656105 by 5pm Friday or thereafter call 01904 750500 leaving a message.

Costs is £5-£7 depending on numbers, but for children 16 and under it is £5. The return coach will leave about one hour after the match, 6pm at the latest.

Updated: 10:52 Thursday, February 19, 2004