YORK City Knights have received a major fillip as star back Chris Smith has re-signed for the club.

The Evening Press previously reported the Knights had wanted the Cawood-based 28-year-old to stay at Huntington Stadium, and the fact he has now put pen to paper was confirmed at the Knights' packed-out 'open night' last night - to the cheers of supporters.

The evening provided the club with another boost as about 500 fans crammed into the stadium bar and a massive £6,500 was raised in new merchandise sales.

Fans also got their first glimpse of the club's new mascot, Norris the Knight, who will be leading the support for the team on the sidelines.

Smith, a former Super League Grand Final winner, had been on a week-to-week contract last season, but has now agreed a one-year deal.

He admitted last term his aim was to return to Super League but any hopes were scuppered when he suffered a knee ligament injury in June which ended his season. He has still not ruled out a move to the top tier but hinted it would take a lot to prise him away from York.

"The one-year deal shows a bit more commitment to the club and the supporters," he told the Evening Press. "I always said I would only have left if a Super League club came in with the right offer rather than another Division One or Two club.

"I'm now planning to start a rugby coaching business with (former St Helens team-mate Paul Newlove) and I think my future is in coaching."

The Wales international admitted he faced a tough task to get into the back line given the recruitment of Scotland full-back Nathan Graham and centres Damien Reed and Chris Langley plus the form last season of wingers Rob Kama and Alex Godfrey.

But he is relishing the challenge. "You can't rely on your name," reasoned Smith, who is still recovering from knee surgery but aims to be fit for the start of the season.

"Just because you've come from Super League doesn't mean you get straight in. Richard Agar (coach) has said it will be tough to get in but that brings the best out of you. I enjoyed it at full-back last year but we've now got Nathan Graham and we've got good players across the line. I will be happy getting a shirt."

He added: "The aim this season is to improve on last year and win the league. I think we've got the squad to do it. We've signed some quality players."

As for the bash last night, Smith said it justified his decision to re-sign. "You can hardly believe York weren't in the league a year or so ago. To see all this support the club have got, it's superb. The public of York are really enjoying their rugby again."

Agar was delighted Smith had signed. "I'm over the moon," he said. "It's been in the pipeline a long time but both Chris and (chief executive) Steve Ferres assured me there wasn't a problem and they were true to their word.

"We've got another leadership-type player who plays with his heart on his sleeve. He will set a good example to the younger players.

"I'm not guaranteeing anyone a starting place but you've got to think that if Chris is fit and playing at his best he will be in the team.

"It provides us with great options. At the moment Chris and Alex Godfrey, who have had operations, will be borderline for the start of the season but if and when everyone is fit it will give me a nice selection headache."

Knights chairman Roger Dixon was delighted at the success of the open night. "It reflects the enthusiasm everyone has for their club," he said.

"It's exceeded my expectations. It's not just the money but the amount of interest in, and the willingness to support, the club."

Updated: 11:25 Tuesday, December 16, 2003