York City Knights recruit Warrington Wolves' Riley Dean after Morgan Smith injury blow

Warrington Wolves' Riley Dean in action against Salford Red Devils last season. He has now joined York City Knights. (ISABEL PEARCE/SWPIX)

Scrum-half Smith, 22, had joined from London Broncos ahead of the 2021 Betfred Championship campaign but has ruptured an ACL in pre-season training and is likely to miss the entire campaign.

Former England Academy international Dean, who played for Halifax amateur club Siddal, made his Super League debut against St Helens in 2019 and scored against Salford Red Devils in his only Warrington appearance last term.

The 19-year-old is in contention for a spot in Ireland’s World Cup squad and York head coach James Ford said: “Riley has shown plenty of promise as a young half at Warrington, origin academies and with England academy.

“He has a good skill set, a strong running game and I’m looking forward to working with him.

“It’s a really disappointing and frustrating thing to pick up a season-ending injury, especially in a training accident.

“Morgan has a great support network around him and, coupled with the club’s support and his drive to succeed, I’m still very confident that Morgan can fulfil his ambitions in the game.

“Being injured is never nice, but it’s part of being a professional athlete. “Morgan has a great opportunity to demonstrate how resilient he is with how he engages with his rehab and strives to help the team succeed.”

York City Knights' Morgan Smith at the club's new LNER Community Stadium (Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com)

York start their season with a Betfred Challenge Cup first round tie against Sheffield Eagles on Friday March 19 before a Championship opener versus Toulouse Olympique on Good Friday (April 2).

Dean, who has signed with the help of the fans’ Squadbuilder scheme, said: “I’m really excited about joining the club and buzzing to be able to get the chance to apply myself in a new environment.

“Hopefully, I can bring something new to the team.

“Going out on loan was something I’d been thinking about and it was more making the right move for me.

“York is a great option with a good squad and coaching staff behind it.

“I’m hoping to be able to show a good version of myself and enhance the team if I’m given the opportunity to hopefully get some game time under my belt.”