HUDDERSFIELD YMCA have signed England Student rugby league international Chris Clarke until November.

And they have also moved to bring back second-rower Sam Housley after his release by Huddersfield Giants.

Housley will begin his time back at Laund Hill in the second team as he starts to adjust to a life back in the 15-a-side code.

But fellow back-rower Clarke, who has been playing for Bradford Bulls Reserves and will be returning for pre-season training in two months, is expected to take his place on the bench as the YMCA look to secure a first win of their Yorkshire II season at home to Old Leodiensians tomorrow (3.00).

Head coach Jamie Marsden intends to give Clarke a run at inside centre at some stage, and is confident he will waste little time making a positive impression.

“We’re delighted to have Chris on board,” said Marsden, who was able to recruit him because he is the nephew of YM assistant coach Mark Eastwood.

“He’s trained a couple of times already, and looks good. He’s got good skill and could prove a real handful at inside centre.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing what he can do.

“It’s probably going to be a week or two before we give Sam a run in the first team. But, when he does, I’m sure he’ll go just as well.

“I know how much he’s looking forward to playing alongside his brother, Ross, who should be making his first start of the season this weekend.”

Also ready to make their season’s bow are Stuart Morton and Gavin Stead, who has spent the summer on trial with Halifax RL.

Both will add extra steel, and Marsden is confident they will make a big difference.

“After playing two of the top teams in our opening two games, we now face sides we should be able to turn over,” added Marsden, who plays at fly-half.

“Because of the players we’ve got back tomorrow, I really fancy our chances, and if we can get the win I’m hopeful we can get on a roll.”

YMCA: Swift; Taylor, Stead, Morton, Beever; Marsden, Wilson; Watson, Bell, Gregson, Scholes, Hellawell, Lyon, Leone-Mazza, Walker. Subs: Clarke, Housley, Whitehead.

Second XV (at Old Leos, 3.00): Atkins, Moorhouse, AN Other, Wood, Roberts; Hepinstall, SO Else; Sellers, Watson, Whitehead, Hellawell, Elsworth, Terry, Housley, Nyahoda.

Third XV (Old Leos, home, 3.00): Campbell; Garretty, Morton, Stafford, Murphy; Young, Senior; Harris, Noble, Barrett, Sykes, Morgan, Jones, Knapton, Hall. Subs: Senior, Hirst, Rimmer, Bedford.