YORK City Knights have signed Wigan Warriors forward James McDonnell on an initial two-week loan.

York head coach James Ford has previously coached McDonnell for the England Academy in 2018 when England defeated the touring Australia Schoolboys team.

The 21-year-old made his debut in Betfred Super League for Wigan in September 2020 against rivals St Helens and will be look get more first-team minutes under his belt while at the Knights.

McDonnell was a prolific try-scorer at academy level, scoring 19 tries in as many games in 2019.

On McDonnell’s signing, Ford said: “We’re really grateful to be able to bring in a player of James’ pedigree on the back of Danny Kirmond’s concussion and a couple of other niggles that we’ve got.

“James is a player I’ve worked with before and I know a lot about him. He’s got a great work ethic, he’s tough with a fantastic attitude and I’m sure he’ll strengthen our team and squad.”

Wigan’s head of youth, Darrell Goulding, said: "This is a great opportunity for James to get some valuable game time which he needs at this point of his career."