GARY THORNTON has not ruled out a return to York City Knights of winger Dennis Tuffour – although he did not expect it likely.

The 24-year-old, who scored nine tries in 11 appearances the last time the Knights were in Championship One, has left Doncaster by mutual consent, saying new work commitments would make it difficult to get to training from his home in Hull.

Knights boss Thornton said his club were aware Tuffour was now a free agent and would “make enquiries”.

“We did note it and might see if anything comes of it,” he said.

“If he can’t get to training in Doncaster because of work commitments, you would have to think there’d be the same issues coming to York.

“I’m not sure what his availability will be, but we might make some enquiries.”

Tuffour scored three tries in 11 Championship appearances for York in 2011 before joining Hunslet then Doncaster.

Meanwhile, Sheffield are expected to bring a first-team squad for the Andrew Henderson Testimonial match at York on February 9 – including USA centre Lelauloto Tagaloa and winger Misi Taulapapa assuming they get their visas in time.

The Eagles are taking a young squad for their first pre-season game at Limoux this Saturday but most of the last season’s Championship-winning regulars should be back for the Huntington Stadium encounter.

Boss Mark Aston hopes new signing Tagaloa, who starred in the World Cup for the American surprise packages, and Taulapapa, who helped Sheffield to back-to-back titles but is now back in New Zealand, will join the squad soon after the Eagles return from France.

“Loto (Tagaloa) has to do an English test – which we didn’t expect. We’re waiting for that to be sorted out and when he’s done that he’ll be on his way here,” said Aston.

“Misi is just waiting for his visa to be delivered then he’ll be booked on a flight.”

The Knights’ Championship One match at South Wales Scorpions, scheduled for Sunday, June 22, has been brought forward 24 hours to Saturday, June 21, kick off 3pm, at Maesteg RUFC’s Old Parish ground.