TYLER CRAIG believes he has been handed a “fantastic opportunity” after signing a two-year deal with hometown club York City Knights .

The former Heworth amateur ace made his first-team debut for the club as a trialist at Keighley Cougars last month and will now make the permanent step up to the senior squad.

Craig said: “It is fantastic to be given the opportunity to enhance my playing career as part of the first-team squad.

“I have really enjoyed this year and feel like I have come on leaps and bounds.

“I’d also like to thank Chris Thorman (head coach) in particular for supporting me over the last couple of years both at York College and at the Knights.”

Ian Wilson, Knights general manager, said: “Tyler has made significant improvements to his game over the last 12 months in particular.

“He has worked very hard on his conditioning and is developing into a great athlete.

“We believe that over the next couple of seasons Tyler will become a first team regular at the club and it is great to see another local player join the first team squad.”

• Former York City Knights coach Paul Broadbent has been appointed caretaker coach of Championship club Dewsbury Rams until the end of the season.

Broadbent, 44, will take over from Warren Jowitt, with his first game in charge the derby against Batley on Sunday.