York secure Johnston on loan

York have moved to sign Castleford half-back Ben Johnston after his season-long loan at Dewsbury was cut short.

Johnston, 21, played twice on dual-registration with his hometown club last season, and York coach Gary Thornton has moved swiftly to bring him in following the departure of recent signing Danny Nicklas to Hull KR.

Thornton said: “I wanted Ben to come to York at the beginning of the season and I’m delighted that he’s here now. He wants to play for his hometown team and I think he will do a great job for us. 

“He’s a professional young player after coming through the Superleague setup at Castleford while I was there, and I’m confident he can adapt to Championship rugby with York very well.”

Johnston, who won’t be available for this weekend’s Challenge Cup tie in Catalan, has moved to York initially on a month’s loan.