York City Knights have signed experienced forward Graeme Horne on a one-year-deal from Hull KR.
The 32-year-old arrives at the Knights having racked up 250 Super League appearences in his time at Hull FC, Huddersfield Giants and Hull KR.
Horne came through the academy system at Hull FC, before establishing himself as a first-team player from 2003. In 2006, he started in the Super League Grand Final against St Helens.
The hugely experienced forward will also take on an assistant coaching role, replacing the recently retired half back Jonny Presley.
Graeme Horne club career stats
On a phone? Scroll horizontally to see all info| Team | Years | Apps | Tries | Points won | Games won | Games drawn | Games lost | Win% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hull FC | 2003-2009 | 132 | 23 | 92 | 69 | 6 | 57 | 52% |
| Huddersfield Giants | 2010-2011 | 41 | 11 | 44 | 22 | 1 | 18 | 54% |
| Hull Kingston Rovers | 2012-2017 | 107 | 23 | 92 | 46 | 3 | 58 | 43% |
| Overall | 2003-2017 | 280 | 57 | 228 | 137 | 10 | 133 | 49% |
Proven player
Knights head coach James Ford is delighted with the signing and has highlighted the quality of the club’s recruitment drive.
He also identified the importance of filling the void left by previous first team coach Presley.
Speaking to the club’s website, Ford said:
“I’m delighted to get a player with the ability and experience of Graeme. He’s a proven Super League player, a good clubman and a good person to have around the group.
“Being able to attract players of the calibre of Graeme a shows the measure of the quality of the environment here – the coaching, the facilities and what we’re trying to achieve.
“The contribution from the fans makes a huge difference in helping to bring players of Graeme’s calibre to the club. It is massively appreciated.”
Horne excited by move
Graeme Horne is looking forward to playing in a ‘squad capable of winning promotion’ after signing for the Knights.
He cited the “well respected culture and environment” of the club as one of the the main influence in joining up. Horne said:
I’m really pleased to have signed for York. The facilities here are absolutely fantastic, and James and Jon (Flatman) really sold the well respected culture and environment of the club to me.
They’re putting together a squad capable of challenging for promotion in a very competitive league and I’m excited to be a part of that.
The opportunity for me to start to cut my teeth in coaching under a Head Coach like James Ford really excites me also.
Horne was restricted to just seven appearences for Hull KR in their 2017 promotion winning campaign.
However, he did play on dual registration for the Knights last season and the forward is excited to play in front of the Knights’ fans again.
“I played and watched a few Knights games last season and the fans were absolutely fantastic.
“I’m really looking forward to running out in front of them at Bootham Crescent next year – especially in that huge opening game against former Super League Champions Bradford Bulls on the opening day!”