YORK City Knights have pulled off perhaps the biggest signing of all National League clubs with the capture of former Great Britain international Lee Jackson.

Chief executive Steve Ferres reckons more quality players will be encouraged to follow Jackson's lead and join the Huntington Stadium revolution.

It is one of the most notable signings in York rugby league's modern history and underlines the desire of the new club.

As revealed on the award-winning Evening Press website www.thisisyork.co.uk yesterday evening, the 33-year-old hooker - an Aussie Grand Final winner - will join player-coach Paul Broadbent and Richie Hayes in one of the best front rows in the National League and his arrival will boost hopes of promotion into division one.

He becomes the 12th player to join the Knights.

Jackson, released by Hull, joins on a two-year contract and Ferres said: "Obviously we're delighted we've been able to capture a player of Lee's quality.

"I still believe he's capable of playing Super League football and he's the sort of player who, whatever level he's playing, will give 100 per cent.

"He completes an excellent front row which gives us something to build on. With Paul Broadbent, Lee Jackson and Richie Hayes we've got two ex-internationals and the form prop in the Premiership (now National League).

"We plan to put a couple of youngsters around them who will learn their trade from these quality players."

Jackson, a friend and former team-mate of Broadbent, was first linked to the Knights in October, though Ferres denied then that the number nine was on the shopping list. However, last month Ferres said initial talks had taken place in the "unlikely" event Jackson would not find himself a Super League club.

"It's a massive boost for us, probably the biggest signing that is going to be made in National League two or even one," he added.

"It augurs well for the division that a player of his calibre will be on the paddock and I'm delighted he will be running out with the Knights rather than anybody else."

Jackson won the last of his 17 GB caps in 1994 but was often touted for a return, including in the past two seasons with Hull.

Furthermore, at the end of the term he had been involved in top-flight rugby longer than any other current English Super League player, including a spell in Australia with Newcastle Knights with whom he won a Grand Final.

Jackson made his debut with Hull in 1986, moving to Sheffield in 1993-94 before heading Down Under in 1995. He signed for Leeds in 1999 before returning to Hull in 2001.

He has made 290 appearances plus 50 as a substitute in England's top-flight, scoring 53 tries and one goal.

He scored one try in his 17 GB starts and one try in his six, plus two appearances for England. He also toured twice with Great Britain in 1990 and 1992.

Updated: 12:40 Friday, December 13, 2002