YORK Knights have signed hooker Taylor Pemberton on loan from Betfred Super League giants St Helens until the end of the season.

The youngster is the Knights’ second signing in as many days following the return of homegrown talent Toby Warren from Leeds Rhinos, as Andrew Henderson looks to give his side a boost in their late push for the play-offs.

Pemberton, 20, progressed through the academy at St Helens, making his Super League debut against Castleford Tigers in April 2022.

He also featured in Saints’ 34-12 defeat against Wakefield Trinity later that season.

This year, he has made three appearances for Betfred League One promotion hopefuls North Wales Crusaders, including scoring his maiden senior try in their 18-38 defeat to Dewsbury Rams in February.

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Pemberton, a former England Youth international, links up with Henderson’s side on transfer deadline day and will provide able cover for both Josh Daley and James Cunningham, who are currently sidelined with a PCL knee injury and through Head Injury Assessment protocols respectively.

Whilst featuring predominantly at nine, the 20-year-old’s versatility will also prove valuable for Henderson’s side, with the head coach describing him as a younger version of ‘Mr Fix It’ Cunningham, who has played at hooker, in the halves, and at loose forward so far this year.

“Taylor is an exciting young talent from St Helens, so I’m delighted to bring him to York,” enthused Henderson.

“I’d like to thank Paul Wellens and Mike Rush at Saints for allowing Taylor to join us on loan until the end of the season.

“Taylor is a utility player. Although predominantly a hooker, he can also cover at loose forward, in the halves and in the back-row. He’s almost a younger version of James Cunningham!

“Having picked up a couple of injuries against London Broncos last weekend - in Chris Clarkson and James Cunningham - and with Josh Daley also out injured at the moment, we thought it was a smart move to bring in another nine alongside Will Jubb.

“Taylor has played a couple of times in the Betfred Super League for St Helens already and he’s been in their high-quality system for a number of years.

“He’s an exciting young talent that we’re looking forward to working with and we’re hoping that he’ll add some genuine value to our team for the remainder of the season.

“I’d also like to thank our Chairman Clint Goodchild for supporting the first-team squad and allowing us to bring in both Taylor and Toby Warren before the recruitment deadline as we enter the business-end of the 2023 season.”

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Pemberton is excited to get going at York, in what will be new waters for him in the Betfred Championship.

“I’m really excited to have joined York on loan until the end of the season,” he explained.

“It’s going to be a great challenge for myself to get some game-time at a really good club in York, who are battling for the top places in the Betfred Championship.

“It’s a new challenge but it’s one that I’m really looking forward to. I can’t wait to get going and to get stuck in with the lads.”

Whilst Pemberton’s signing is too late to see him in contention for tomorrow evening’s visit of Toulouse Olympique, he could make his York debut against Widnes Vikings at the DCBL Stadium on Sunday, August 20.