YORK City Knights have moved swiftly to plug the gaps left by the departures of Neil Law and Jonny Woodcock by signing a player with Super League experience.

The Knights today wrapped up a deal for James Brown, 23, a player who can operate at scrum-half, stand-off or full-back, that will keep him at the club until the end of 2004.

Brown will hook -up with his new team-mates at training tonight and is could make his debut at Swinton Lions on Sunday.

Brown burst on to the rugby league scene as an 18-year-old with Sheffield Eagles. In 2000, he was one of a clutch of Eagles' youngsters, including Keith Senior, Ryan Sheridan and Andy Hay, who signed for Leeds Rhinos.

Brown made a couple of appearances in Super League with the Rhinos before dropping out of the game.

Explained Knights chief executive Steve Ferres: "James had a young family and just lost a bit of interest in the game. But he has now rekindled that interest and is anxious to prove himself with us and get back into Super League."

Law and Woodcock both played their last game for the Knights in Sunday's 28-16 win over Barrow.

Centre Law has returned to rugby union outfit Otley, while Woodcock's has also returned to Doncaster Dragons after a successful loan spell with the Knights.

Meanwhile, Hull's Australian back row forward Adam Maher, 31, has announced he is to retire from the game at the end of the season. He previously played for Gateshead Thunder.

Prop Chris Birchall, 22, has left Halifax to join Scottish rugby union side Glasgow on a six-month contract.

Updated: 11:20 Tuesday, August 12, 2003