Doncaster sign Nicholson
Doncaster have signed former York City Knights front-rower Brad Nicholson.
The 20-year old left York City Knights by mutual consent last month and now links up with older brother Matt Nicholson and former teammate Jordan Howden at the Dons.
Arriving at York from Featherstone Rovers ahead of the 2015 campaign, Nocholson was hailed as one of the signings of the season last year at the North Yorkshire club.
The hard-running forward was instrumental in helping York reach the League 1 play-offs, making 23 appearances and scoring eight tries.
He made just one appearance at York this season, coming off the bench in the 24-4 victory over Hunslet Hawks in the iPro Sport Cup back in February before his departure.
Nicholson turned out for Hull FC’s under 23’s over the weekend on dual registration and was on the scoresheet in their 28-26 victory over Wigan Warriors.
He will add even further competition to a strong front line at the Dons where he will battle with the likes of Makali Aizue, Mark Castle and Zac Braham for a place in the side.
The forward could be handed his Doncaster debut in Sunday’s League 1 clash with Barrow Raiders at the Keepmoat Stadium.
Dons coach Gary Thornton said: “We’ve been trying to get this over the line for a few weeks since his release from York, there have been a few delays but thankfully it went through in time for him to get some game time at the weekend.
“He’d not played for six weeks so it was important for him to get some minutes under his belt, prior to being up for selection against Barrow on Sunday.
“He played some long minutes to say he has been out for a while, he did a decent stint and I’m delighted.
“We talked to him at the start of the season and we wanted him to come in with Matt, but he chose to be loyal to York and stay there.
“I know York didn’t want to lose him, I won’t go into the reasons why he left there, all I know is when he became available and I found out about him, I was keen to chase him down.
“He had a terrific impact last season at York in League 1, although he is still young, he’s played and got a bit of experience and was integral to York and what they did last year.
“From what I can gather he was pretty close to player of the year at York and I think he’ll be a really good signing for us.”
“With George Milton being out fairly long-term and now Joe Pickets-O’Donnell having a broken jaw, it has come at a good time for us because it will give us even more options in the middle unit.
“He has plenty of punch in attack and he can certainly defend and I think he will be a great addition for us.”