Act local, think global! York City Knights scout home-grown talent

York City Knights are looking to scout some home grown talent with a festive friendly match

The Knights have been relentless in their recruitment ahead of the 2018 League One season.

However, after successfully securing big-name signings such as Graeme Horn from Hull KR and Juda Maz-ive from Wakefield Trinity, York are now looking for players closer to home.

The Knights are to take on a York & District Amateur Rugby League representative team in their first pre-season fixture at Bootham Crescent.

The team will consist of local amatuer rugby league players who impressed in this month’s East York v West York ‘State of Yorigin’ match.

This became an annual fixture after successfully attracting public attention last year and was originally arranged in memory of former York Rugby League legend, Stuart Evans.

Ford the man to impress

The game is an opportunity for local talent to impress Knights’ head coach, James Ford, who has already been impressed with the talent on display in the ‘Yorigin’ match.

One player Ford has been particularly impressed with is Heworth half-back Liam Jackson. The athletically built play-maker has impressed playing for the White Rose in the BARLA Tri-County Series and is thought to be high up in Ford’s recruitment agenda.

Speaking on behalf of the player, Ford told the York Press that recruting Jackson could be a ‘step in the right direction’.

The Knights have already proved in the past that trialists can become unsung heroes. Second-row Joe Batchelor came to the Knights on trial from Coventry Bears and a year later, was the clubs player of the season.

Ford is hopeful that anyone who is eventually offered a trial with the club, can follow in the footsteps of Batchelor, or of course, ex-York Acorn forward, Joe Porter.

After winning a contract last winter, he went on to make 17 appearences in 27 for the Knights in 2017, and Ford is expecting him to improve further.