JOE PORTER'S eye-catching performances and "infectious enthusiasm" since arriving from amateur neighbours York Acorn ARLC have earned him a contract extension at York City Knights.

The 24-year-old, Acorn's reigning player of the year and arguably their best performer over the last few seasons in the National Conference League, had a successful trial with the League One professionals in the off-season, initially signing a one-year deal.

He has now penned an extended agreement which runs until the end of the 2018 season - having clearly continued to impress everyone at the club.

Head coach James Ford said: "What he's got is an enormous amount of energy and enthusiasm. If he makes a mistake he makes up for it with hard work and tenacity.

"It's infectious and it rubs off on the blokes around him how much energy and desire he's got."

Asked if he was surprised with the impact Porter has already made on the team, Ford said: "He's certainly been a find for us and there's more in him.

"But I was impressed by him when I watched the 'Yorigin' (charity East York v West York) match at New Year and we would not have brought him down or taken him away from his community club if we didn't think he would be a success in our team. I can't say I'm surprised otherwise we would not have signed him."

Former York High School student Porter was a relative latecomer to rugby league, only taking up the sport aged 16, having previously been a junior footballer with local league team Hamilton Panthers.

But that has clearly been no barrier so far. He has played in seven of the Knights' 10 matches to date this term, scoring his maiden try in the controversial Challenge Cup defeat to big-spending Barrow last month. The games he sat out were the disappointing losses to North Wales (twice) and Oxford.

Ford reckoned having such a local favourite on board not only boosts attendances but also acts as a fillip for other aspiring youngsters at community clubs.

"He's a very popular figure in and around York and the club," he said.

"He's a great bloke and has an endearing attitude. He wants to work as hard as he can and play as hard as he can and his approach to learning is fantastic.

"He's a credit to everyone who's worked with him in the past and I'm looking forward to working with him for the rest of this season, next season and beyond."