TOM HEMINGWAY has rejected his proposed move to York City Knights.

The Championship strugglers had agreed with champions Featherstone to take the half-back on loan, initially for a month but with a view to extending it till the end of the season.

However, the player, based in the Leeds area, reportedly says he wants to go to a club nearer home as he doesn’t drive.

The Press understands Hemingway failed to return a call from Knights player-boss Chris Thorman – his former team-mate at Huddersfield Giants – but Rovers coach Daryl Powell relayed the news.

Knights general manager Ian Wilson said: “We approached Featherstone regarding Tom Hemingway and they agreed to loan him subject to the player agreeing terms with us. But before it could get that far Tom’s decided he wants to look for a club closer to his home.

“That one’s finished and we move on.”

The Knights will nevertheless have Danny Nicklas on board for Sunday’s visit of Swinton, with the Hull dual-registration starlet set to become Thorman’s sixth half-back partner this year.

The club’s problems at half-back have continued, however, as Heworth ARLC youngster Tyler Craig was sidelined by injury ahead of the Knights’ reserves match against Featherstone last night.

Moreover, the fact that game was postponed less than an hour before kick-off due to a waterlogged pitch after an afternoon deluge means former England winger Waine Pryce was unable to have a run-out following his long injury absence. He was hoping to prove his form and fitness in time for Sunday.

Meanwhile, forward James Houston was to have a scan today to get to the bottom of his leg problem.

The former Hunslet packman trained on Tuesday but has sat out the last two games as something is affecting a nerve.

• JAMES FORD has named an 18-man squad for the Knights Under-18s’ match against Leigh Centurions tonight.

The young guns will be playing at Heworth ARLC, kick off 8pm, looking to make it three wins from three following impressive victories over Oldham and Keighley.

James Tallant, from Hull, is pencilled in to make his a debut.

Entry is free for Knights season ticket holders and vice-presidents, otherwise £4 for adults and £1 for under-16s.

Knights U18s: James Morland, Adam Dent, Greg Minikin, Ash Haynes, Luke Tomlinson, Matt Brewer, Lennox Green, Tim Stubbs, Josh Poulter, Alex Hutchinson, Ryan Parker, James Tallant, Liam Ellis, Harry Carter, Ash Winstanley, Liam Braithwaite, Tom Fitzsimmons, Ryan Hewick.