York City Knights sign former Hull FC playmaker

York City Knights have confirmed the signing of half-back Liam Harris from Halifax Panthers on a one-year-deal.

24-year-old Harris will be a familiar name and face to Knights fans having previously represented the club in two spells, helping the Knights to a memorable victory over Toronto Wolfpack during his spell with the club on dual-registration from Hull Kingston Rovers in 2017 before playing a pivotal role in securing a third-place Betfred Championship finish when on loan from Hull FC in 2019.

In his first spell, Harris made 18 appearances for the club, scoring 14 tries and kicking 12 goals, with those performances earning a nomination for the League 1 Young Player of the Year award.

Harris made eighteen appearances during his second spell in all competitions, scoring five tries.

2021 has seen the former Hull FC playmaker star for Halifax Panthers on their run to the Championship Play-Offs and now he joins Jamie Ellis in the Knights’ halves options for 2022.

On bringing Harris back to the club, Head Coach James Ford said: “Liam is a player I really enjoyed working with previously and I’m confident I’ll enjoy it again. He is an intelligent young man who has yet to play to his full potential.

“He’ll bring a good level of game management, a strong kicking game, and a threat with his pace and distribution skills.”

Discussing his return to the club, Harris admitted he was excited to be back.

“I can’t wait to get started. It’s somewhere I’ve really enjoyed playing when I’ve been there previously and I’m looking forward to getting started again at the Knights.

Having a great understanding with Head Coach Ford played a massive part in attracting him back, as Harris explains.

“I probably wouldn’t have signed if he wasn’t the coach so that says a lot about him and our relationship has been well documented. He brings the best out of his players and I’m looking forward to kicking on under his management again.

“He knows I’ve always been honest with him and I’ve always given a hundred per cent when I’ve worked with him. He cares about his players and I think he knows he can get the best out of me.”