York City Knights poised to announce two signings (From York Press)

York City Knights poised to announce two signings

12:23pm Friday 21st September 2012 in Sport By Peter Martini

YORK City Knights are today poised to confirm the captures of Simon Brown from Sheffield and fellow half-back Jonny Presley, who has returned to England following his year in Australia.

It was widely known that the two pivots were on their way to Huntington Stadium for 2013, and the moves are now set to be made official via the club’s website, yorkcityknights.co.uk, this afternoon.

The Knights had been waiting until Sheffield were knocked out of the Co-operative Championship play-offs before announcing Brown’s signature but the Eagles' win over Leigh last night propelled them into a second successive grand final and the Huntington Stadium outfit could wait no longer to confirm his impending switch.

The 23-year-old goalkicking star is seen as the on-field replacement for departing player-boss Chris Thorman, who has hung up his boots to join Huddersfield as assistant-coach.

The Press understands that the Knights are also bringing diminutive former Featherstone and Keighley scrum-half-cum-hooker Presley back to Huntington Stadium following his year playing for Fremantle Roosters in the Western Australia Premiership.

He had been a virtual ever-present for York in 2011, scoring a Knights best of six tries in a game in the record Challenge Cup win over Northumbria University 18 months ago. This year, the 28-year-old has helped his club to third place in their league ladder and was called up to a Western Australia representative side.

For the full story and reaction - plus news on who else might be joining the pair at York next season - see The Press tomorrow.