ROBIN Hugues has work to do if he is to feature for York Knights, admits boss Mark Applegarth.

The French prop arrived on trial in April, with chairman Clint Goodchild describing him as “a bit of a wildcard” with raw talent that the club had been hoping to tap into.

Fans have not been shy in their wishes for the Knights to recruit a big forward following Pauli Pauli’s departure to Betfred Championship rivals Doncaster during the off-season, something only heightened by having former Hull FC prop Franklin Pele on loan for two matches.

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Standing at 6ft 4ins and weighing in at 110kg, “big lump of a lad” Hugues certainly seems to fit the bill on paper.

Reported visa issues had initially left the forward unable to play in the UK, but he was finally given a first run-out for dual registration partners Newcastle Thunder last weekend.

Named among the interchanges, he came off the bench to make his debut in their 44-10 defeat to Midlands Hurricanes, with the club commenting on X about the instant impact he appeared to have made.

And Thunder’s supporters seem to have been equally as impressed, with one saying: “Well impressed with his shift,” and another joking: “Don’t think Poldark will be with us for long.”

However, whilst initial signs have been positive, Applegarth admits that Hugues has work to do if he is to feature for the Knights in the Championship.

“I watched Robin,” Applegarth told The Press.

“We’ll go through some clips, but I still think that he’s got a bit more to do, if I’m perfectly honest with you, if he wants to be playing in the Championship.

“He’s obviously a handful, but there’s obviously more to a game of rugby league than just ball in hand. There’s a bit of defensive work that he needs to get through and a bit of smartness.

“But he’s a great kid to have around, he’s trying his hardest and putting himself in the shop window.

“We’ll keep on working with him as a group of coaches to try and get him up to the standard that you need to be to be playing Championship rugby.”