LIFE goes on.

That was the reaction of disappointed club captain Chris Levy after being released by York City Knights midway through his two-year contract.

The shock news was revealed in the Evening Press yesterday, shortly after Levy was told of the club's decision.

The Aussie, however, told the Press it did not come as a total surprise and, while he was unhappy with the reasons given for his release, said he would leave with memories of good times - not least lifting the LHF National League Two trophy.

"I'm obviously disappointed, though I did see it coming due to the things that had come out in the Press recently," he said.

Those reports included the revelation the Knights had been in negotiations with Kiwi scrum-half Marty Turner, talks which have since ended. Turner would have not only brought further competition at half-back following the recruitment of Phil Hasty but also taken up Levy's place on the overseas quota, a position the club have since said they are not desperate to fill.

"I don't think they really gave me a good reason as to why I was released. They said they weren't after a quota player," added Levy.

"But the club is entitled to make these decisions. I've been around long enough to know these things happen and not to let it get me down. Life goes on."

Levy made 19 appearances this season, scoring 11 tries, while his rivals for the half-back slots, Paul Thorman and Scott Rhodes, played 19 and 17 respectively, scoring one and five.

"I thought I had gone all right," said the Aussie. "I held down a spot for the majority of the season and I think I played as much if not more than the other half-back guys.

"It was a surprise I've been let go but I'm not going to hold it against the guys I played with. I've made a lot of good friends here."

The 27-year-old, who has NRL experience and captained reserve-grade teams Down Under, was told the news by coach Mick Cook and chief executive John Guildford in his end-of-year appraisal.

He said: "In a way I expected it when I walked into the office and saw John Guildford also there. I'm hoping they do the right thing by me (as regards a contract settlement)."

Teacher Levy, who will be visited soon by his parents who are holidaying in Europe, has recently started a new job at Lowfield School.

He said: "There are many options for me. I could stay in York, go home to Australia or go to America. I enjoy travelling but I've got a job here at the moment and I'm pretty secure, and I'd be happy to listen to clubs that might be interested."

He added: "I love playing rugby league and this year has been great. I've lifted a trophy and that's one thing they can't take off me."

Updated: 10:17 Saturday, October 01, 2005