GED Corcoran has backed new recruit James Farrar to become a “huge fan favourite” at York Knights.

The Knights have snapped up the highly-rated teenager following his release from Hull KR, with both head coach Mark Applegarth and chairman Clint Goodchild impressed by his performances.

Farrar has been a regular across Ireland’s Under 19 set-up this year and capped his senior debut with a faultless performance from the tee in a trial match against The Netherlands in September.

He was also among the scorers as the Wolfhounds defeated Scotland 36-6 in their first international match in two years last month, collecting a cut-out pass to score out wide inside the final 10 minutes.

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Corcoran, who serves as Ireland boss alongside his assistant coach role at the Knights, believes that the 19-year-old will certainly win over supporters during his time in North Yorkshire.

“He’s going to be a huge addition,” he told The Press. “He’s going to be a huge fan favourite.

“He’s only a kid, a young up-and-coming prospect, but he’s got a big career ahead of him. He’s very grounded, level-headed, and very focused on what he wants to achieve.

“He’s from Hull KR, he’s come through the academy system there. He’s been through the scholarship programme and the Academy.

“Unfortunately, they didn’t see the talent we see in him. But it took only a couple of minutes for Clint and Mark watching his clips to see the true value in him straight away.

“He also plays for our [Ireland] Under 19s, he’s come through our pathways this season, got his international debut a couple of weeks ago and has now backed it up against Scotland.

“But he’s going to be a fan favourite at York. He’s going to potentially push [Will] Dagger hard in pre-season.

“He’s definitely a big prospect for the future.”

Farrar will provide competition for Will Dagger, whose 2024 season was blighted by injury and suspension.Farrar will provide competition for Will Dagger, whose 2024 season was blighted by injury and suspension. (Image: Craig Hawkhead Photography) Farrar offers a versatility to the Knights’ backs, able to play at full-back, half-back or on the wing, areas which have proved problematic over recent seasons.

York have fielded in excess of nine combinations in the halves in each of the last two campaigns, whilst this year, Joe Brown, Nikau Williams, Taylor Pemberton, Myles Harrison and Hull FC loanee Davy Litten all stepped in at full-back for Dagger, whose season was blighted by injury and suspension.

“He’s an exciting prospect,” Corcoran enthused.

“He excites me when I see the videos of him and Clint immediately got excited about what he can do and what potential he’s got going forward under Mark and myself, if I’m still at the club.

“He’s a full-back half, he can play full-back comfortably, he can play in the halves very comfortably. But if he’s needed, he can also drop onto the wing.

“He’s very resilient and he’s tough. He’ll play anywhere he’s asked to play, and he’ll do a job.

“He’s hard-working, he’s versatile, really resilient and he competes. He’s striving to be the best. He wants to be the best, whether that’s at full-back, half-back, or on the wing.

“He’ll play anywhere, he’s a good kid, he listens, wants to learn and wants to be the best. He’ll be a huge success for York.”

A second-half interchange, Farrar originally came off the bench to play at hooker against Scotland before an injury to Stephen Cahill saw him transition onto the wing.

“To give people opportunities and options in life and in this great sport, I believe if you look after people and give opportunities, they’ll always reward you in return,” Corcoran said of his part in facilitating Farrar’s move to York.

“Knowing Faz the way that I’ve known him this year for the past 10 months, he’ll play with his heart on his sleeve, whether it’s for the yellow, white and black for the club, or for his international team in green, white and orange.

“He’ll give 100 per cent regardless of what jersey he’s putting on, go out there and look after the team and surrender himself to the team. He’s a good kid, and he excites me.

“He’s also probably an old head for his generation, he comes to training with his notebook, sits down, does his reviews and makes notes to do his little fix-ups. I’m sure Mark will enjoy his company as well as his new teammates.”