Castleford winger James Clare makes return to York

Castleford winger James Clare has joined York on loan, and could go straight into their team for Sunday’s game against Leigh.

Clare, 30, had a spell with York in 2015 on dual-registration, scoring nine tries in seven appearances.

He also played for Leigh in 2017, but suffered an ACL in pre-season which ruled him out for most of the season.

DISCIPLINARY: RFL provide clarity on high tackle punishments

York coach James Ford said: “I’m really pleased to be in a position to bring James to the Club. He’s someone I’ve had the pleasure of working with on previous occasions.

“He is an outstanding professional and leader who will facilitate the learning and development of our young outside backs. He’s also a Super League quality player who will add punch and strike to our team.”

Getting through a ban

In a quirk of the deal, the Leigh game could turn out to be Clare’s one and only appearance.

The Knights say that the contract for the loan deal was signed last month and is due to expire next week; though it is expected to be extended.

Clare was banned for three matches for punching, ironically against the City Knights, which forced him out of Castleford’s Super League opener with Salford.

Instead, it appears that York’s three opening Championship games – against Featherstone, Dewsbury and Batley – have been the games that Clare has been banned for.

The incident involving Liam Harris also saw the York half-back banned for three-matches.

Clare pleaded guilty to the Grade D offence and was fined £500 by a disciplinary panel.

The winger has made more than 100 appearances with Castleford in two separate spells.

He spent the 2015 and 2016 seasons with Bradford, scoring 21 tries, before moving on to Leigh; leaving when they were relegated from Super League.

Video RL Stories with James Clare: “How am I in a room with Willie Tonga?!”