JAMES FORD reckons York City Knights' new half-back partnership can blossom into something special - though he hasn't ruled out fellow starlet Harry Tyson-Wilson breaking back in either.

Connor Robinson, the new signing from Halifax, paired up for the first time with form player Liam Harris on Sunday and they hit it off quickly, helping the Knights thrash arch-rivals Hunslet 52-20 to rise to fourth in Kingstone Press League One.

Dual-reg Hull KR starlet Harris scored a solo try and Robinson kicked eight conversions, with the pair also having a hand in four other touchdowns. Robinson also pulled off a cracking try-saving tackle on Hunslet centre Mufaro Mvududu.

Head coach Ford has praised both players' attitudes and says they will only get better the more they join forces - continuing with the eagerly-awaited visit to Bootham Crescent of high-flying Whitehaven on Sunday.

“It was the first time they had played together. Both have good skills and both can run the ball. They also understand how we’re trying to play and they’re great to work with," he said.

“It was Connor’s first game for the club and I thought he was good and did some really good things.

“Some stuff in his game I want to help him improve, but the more he plays the more comfortable he will get."

Asked if Harris was the pick of the pair on the day, Ford said: “We scored 50 points at Hunslet in Connor's first match – that’s not bad is it – and I think the partnership will grow.

“They can play both play a bit better than that but they’re both young men and there’s lots of improvement in them. I’m sure they can build a really positive relationship."

But Ford warned: “However, I don’t want to write Harry (Tyson-Wilson) off. We know how good he is and, when he’s fit, it will be exciting to see who wins that battle between them.”

Tyson-Wilson - sidelined since damaging knee ligaments against Gloucestershire in early May - was expected back in full training tonight having been put through his paces by the fitness coaches on Tuesday.

His return into contention - likely for the trip to Keighley in 10 days' time - will be a timely boost for Ford, especially given there is no certainty Harris will remain available indefinitely, with parent club Hull KR known to be keeping close tabs on his form, even if they are flying high at the top of the Championship.

Veteran half-back Jonny Presley, who reverted to coaching duties on Sunday after Robinson's arrival, is also likely to be unavailable for a couple of weeks as he gets married on Saturday.

Ford, who will be an usher at the ceremony, said: "Jonny planned to retire last winter but I convinced him not to as I had a feeling we'd need him - which we did - and I'm grateful to him. We knew when he signed he'd be unavailable for a period.

"He's still got a part to play, though, whether in the 17 or not. His experience is invaluable. There's a lot of clarity between me and Jonny regarding how we want to play and he will be invaluable getting messages across.

"If we need to rotate things around we have him as well - and that's not bad back-up for this level of rugby league, it is."

Asked how long he expected Harris to be available, meanwhile, Ford said: “The conversations are frequent between us and Hull KR.

“There will probably be a period when he goes back but we’re hopeful we will then get him back and have him for most of the season.”