PROUD Jack Aldous admits it will be a special moment when he begins his reign as York City Knights captain on Sunday against his home-town club.

Aldous was named the Knights' new first-team skipper in December, taking over from last year's captains James Haynes, who instead retains an honorary role as club captain as he recovers from a knee reconstruction, and Pat Smith, who makes way due to work commitments during pre-season.

The 24-year-old prop, a two-time Press Player of the Year in his four seasons at York, was stand-in captain once last year, against Hemel Stags, but now starts the full-time job in an "ideal scenario" - the big Bootham Crescent pre-season friendly against Hull FC (3pm).

"I was chuffed when he told me, really proud," said Aldous of the moment head coach James Ford named him 2016 skipper.

"It was pretty unexpected. I thought I had the ability to be captain but did not think it would be at this stage in my career.

"I captained the team once last season, against Hemel Stags, when James Haynes and Pat Smith weren't available.

"But this is my first time as the proper team skipper - and it comes against Hull, which for me is just ideal."

Aldous spent four years in Hull's academy, breaking into the senior squad ranks but making only one first-team appearance before signing for York.

"I'll be captaining my second club against my first club, plus I'm from Hull," said Aldous.

"My best mate, Scott Taylor, is now at Hull as well, though I've heard he's probably not playing. It would have been great to go up against him too."