NEW boss James Ford reckons York City Knights could have landed themselves a gem in Corey Hanson - and says his arrival coupled with the retention of Tyler Craig gives the club superb strength in depth in the centres.

Hanson joins from Sheffield Eagles, where he was in and out of the team having been up against try machine Menzie Yere and ex-Knights favourite Duane Straugheir among others.

Ford says he is not guaranteed a starting spot at York either, with the likes of Greg Minikin, Nev Morrison, Liam Cunningham and Craig also in the mix. But, given the 22-year-old's Championship ability, the head coach believes he can prove a big hit in Championship One - and forge a place in the Bootham Crescent ranks.

"I'm delighted we've been able to bring him to the club," said Ford.

"He's got good pedigree and he's shown he's more than capable of playing in the Championship, let alone Championship One. He brings genuine competition for places in the outside backs.

"Last year was a bit stop-start for Corey but I'm pretty sure if he works hard enough with us we will see him fulfilling his undoubted potential."

Craig, the 21-year-old former Heworth ARLC junior, who has patiently come through the ranks at his home-town club, made his Knights debut in 2012 but he totalled only six first-team appearances until this summer, when he played in nine of the club's last 15 fixtures, scoring three tries.

Ford - himself a centre, whose place was sometimes taken by Craig this year when in and out due to injury - reckons the youngster has the ability to kick on again in 2015, notwithstanding the competition for places.

"Tyler has shown glimpses of his potential in the last few year years, more so this past season," said the head coach, who hung up his boots last month.

"It's great to keep him. He's naturally talented, attack-minded, quick and agile. There are areas he can improve but if he keeps working he will improve.

"The other good thing about Tyler is he brings versatility and he gives us genuine depth."

Asked if Hanson or Craig would face another season in and out of the first team, Ford simply said it was up to the players themselves - and not just these two.

"No-one is guaranteed a place - everyone is going to be in the same predicament," he said.

"I'm keen to get competition for places. I'm adamant we will have a real positive training environment, and the blokes that contribute the most to the environment and to the cause will get the jerseys.

"I can't tell you at this stage what the starting 17 is likely to be. It might be a cliché but the ball really is in each player's court."

l Sheffield Eagles will play home games next season at Doncaster's Keepmoat Stadium while they await the construction of their new Olympic Legacy ground.

The Eagles moved back to their old Owlerton ground this year but that arena does not meet the new criteria for Championship rugby league.

Their matches in 2015 will take place as double-headers with Doncaster on Sundays, with Dons games kicking off at 2pm and Eagles following at 4.15pm. Footballers Doncaster Rovers also play at the Keepmoat.