NEWCASTLE Thunder, who are ninth in Betfred League One after eight wins and seven defeats, have bolstered their ranks.

They have agreed a one-month loan deal for Hull KR forward Joe Cator.

A home-grown talent who came through the City of Hull Academy, Cator made his senior debut in 2016 and has earned further first-team appearances for the Robins in both Super League and the Championship.

Compared in style to Chris Heighington by former Bull Jamie Peacock, Cator is regarded for his excellent defence and for running the ball, as well as having big reserves of energy and enthusiasm.

With appearances this season for KR against Leeds Rhinos and St Helens, Cator is used to playing against high-quality opposition, a quality that Thunder will aim to call upon during his stint in the north east with games against the Bulls and York City Knights.

Thunder’s head coach Jason Payne said: “We’re delighted to bring in Joe on a month’s loan.

“He played a big part in helping KR get promoted back into the Super League last year and has played a couple of games in that this season.

“He’s a very versatile player and can play at hooker, back row or middle and is highly rated by a lot of people in the game.

“He’s just the sort of quality we want to bring in and will help us while we have picked up a couple of injuries.

“Joe wants to make himself into a regular starter for KR, and we hope we can help him in his development and play a part in achieving that goal.”

Cator made his debut off the bench for Thunder in their 24-6 defeat at Knights last weekend, when the hosts were under the cosh for long periods.

Newcastle, who went down 26-16 to the Bulls on the Friday of Magic Weekend in May, have already notched away wins at London Skolars, Coventry Bears, North Wales Crusaders, West Wales Raiders and Hemel Stags, and have also had notable home wins against Whitehaven and Hunslet.