YORK City Knights have released club captain Chris Levy, the man who lifted the LHF National League Two trophy.

The Aussie scrum-half was midway through a two-year contract but has now been told he is surplus to requirements.

Knights chief executive John Guildford said: "We'd like to thank Chris for his services and contributions to the club, helping us achieve promotion.

"His role as captain was professionally carried out and he was a credit to the club. He was a good ambassador and he goes with our best wishes."

Rumours about Levy's position surfaced after it was revealed the club were looking to recruit Kiwi scrum-half Marty Turner from Oldham, a signing which would have taken up the overseas quota.

Turner is not coming to York - as reported in later editions of yesterday's Evening Press, which exclusively revealed that Cook Islanders Tere Glassie and Dana Wilson have also done an amazing 'U'-turn - but the decision to release Levy still frees up the option to bring another quota player in.

Guildford added: "Unfortunately at times tough business decisions need to be made and the decision to release Chris was not taken lightly. With regards to the timing of the decision, there is never a good time to break bad news."

Meanwhile, the Knights have several packmen lined up to make up for the about turn by Glassie and Wilson.

The duo signed from Oldham only to then decide they didn't want to play for the NL2 champions. It is thought Leigh came in with better offers after the duo put pen to paper with York -- who may now be able to charge a fee.

Updated: 10:39 Friday, September 30, 2005