York City Knights coach James Ford has high hopes for new League 1 recruits Marcus Stock and Jason Bass in 2019.
Loose-forward Stock arrives from Hemel Stags while utility back Bass has been impressing at Coventry Bears.
The pair’s arrival completed another productive week for the club after Liam Salter joined from Hull KR and current back rowers Tim Spears and Mike Kelly penned new deals.
On back rower Stock, Ford said: “He came through the Reserve and Scholarship system at Sheffield before playing at Hemel, where I noticed him.
“He also represented England Students, when he was outstanding. He’s a real hard-working, grafting style of back rower with good footwork.
“The key ingredient for me was his attitude – he’s really keen to be the best he can be and that will be a good fit for us.
“Jason is a silky player who always featured in our previews against Coventry because he’s a threat with the ball.
“He was also outstanding for England Students.
“He’s probably not coming to be in our top 17 straight away but the challenge for him is to force his way in and we’ve already discussed a couple of areas in his game that he can strive to improve.”
With Salter, Spears and Kelly also on board, Ford says he is “really pleased” with the state of his squad at present as he looks to sign 24 or 25 players for the Championship campaign.
He also revealed that key playmaker Ben Cockayne is extending his role at the club.
Ford explained: “He’s doing some commercial work for us off the field as well.
“Ben has plenty of experience in that area through his own businesses, and I’m excited to see what kind of things he can bring to us.”