FORMER Bulls ace Kieren Moss has joined York City Knights on the eve of the new Betfred League One season.

The Australian scored 13 tries in 16 games during his spell at Odsal in 2016.

The winger or full back has moved to York on loan from Super League club Hull KR.

Knights coach James Ford is delighted to have signed a player who appeared with Penrith Panthers and Parramatta Eels player in Australia.

Moss has not named in what appears to be a depleted Knights’ match-day squad this weekend, amid confusion over who is and isn’t available after their camp was hit by a virus this week.

But a debut against his old club cannot be ruled out as Ford is a big admirer of the player.

“We’ve signed Kieren Moss initially for a month,” he confirmed, with the newcomer likely to fill the boots, at least temporarily, of fellow Aussie Jake Butler-Fleming following the centre’s transfer to Toronto Wolfpack.

“I’m delighted to bring a player who’s made some NRL appearances such is his quality.

“He’s very quick and good on his feet and great at anticipating breaks. He has a track record of scoring spectacular long-range tries.

“He’s not necessarily going to play this week – he’s not in the initial squad – but I’ve got a lot of confidence in him. He will definitely bolster competition for places in the outside backs.”

Explaining why Moss, who can also play half-back, is not in this weekend’s provisional party, Ford added: “There are a couple of players who’ve had a bit of an illness. Kieren’s not one of them, but he’s new to our systems and structures and it will take time to get full clarity with those.”

Moss helped Penrith win the New South Wales Cup down under before joining Parramatta in 2015, and then signing for then Championship club Bradford in mid-2016.

Moss joined Hull KR in 2017 after Bulls went into liquidation. He went on to notch 12 tries in 21 games for the Robins as they won their place back in Super League last year.

Asked if there was any chance of the Aussie lining up against his former club tomorrow, Ford said: “You can never say never but he’s not in the initial 17.”

Ford had already said he would have to leave it late before confirming his line-up following the illness in the camp. That may explain why the team list given out by the club’s media department differs to the one that had been sent to the RFL.