THE uncertainty surrounding Anthony Thackeray's loan deal at York City Knights may continue after the saga of Paul Cooke's sensational switch from Hull to Super League arch-rivals Hull KR took another twist.

Thackeray joined York on a season-long loan from Hull but, after beginning to catch the eye, was recalled by the Airlie Birds before the start of the Knights' National League Two campaign.

It was thought Hull wanted him to cover for injuries, but the young half-back is yet to play first-team rugby at the KC Stadium and it has since emerged other clubs have shown an interest in signing the player full-time, with NL1 side Doncaster Lakers thought to be among them.

The Knights remain hopeful he will return on loan to York, or at least for the situation to be resolved, but now any move may be affected by the Cooke saga.

The 26-year-old stand-off yesterday quit Hull to play for neighbours Hull KR, thus leaving a gap in the first-team squad in Thackeray's position at half-back, but Hull threatened legal action and the Rugby Football League refused to sanction the change of registration.

Cooke claimed he never actually signed the three-year deal offered by Hull last June and intends to pen a three-and-a-half-year contract with Rovers, whom he supported as a boy.

Rovers were hoping he would be able to play for them against Huddersfield on Friday, but that is now unlikely. If the move goes ahead after that, his debut would ironically be in the Humberside derby on May 5.