JAMES FORD reckons York City Knights still haven't seen the best of Jack Aldous - even after the prop forward's player of the year double this season.

New head coach Ford has hailed the retention of the Hull-based 23-year-old as a major plus for the club, coming hot on the heels of the news Colton Roche was also staying for 2015.

Aldous, nicknamed 'Mr Duracell' for his non-stop efforts in centre-field, topped The Press Player of the Year leaderboard this term and was also voted Players' Player of the Year - regaining both crowns that he also won in 2012.

But Ford, who has been promoted from player/assistant-boss and has therefore seen Aldous in action both from close quarters on the pitch and from watching in the stands, is keen for the former Hull academy starlet to show another aspect to his game.

"It's a fantastic signing and I'm really pleased he's staying with us," said the new boss.

"He's a good player and works really hard for the team, and his defence is fantastic in the wrestle.

"But he's also got much better skill than he realises and we will be encouraging Jack to add to his game a bit more, to pass a bit more and use that skill."

Ford had already claimed his front row was shaping up nicely after Roche was announced as the first player signing, adding to the recruitment of Mark Applegarth, who rejoins the club as player/assistant-coach. That comment was almost certainly made in the knowledge Aldous had also agreed to stay for a fourth season with the Minster city club.

Ford added: "Off the field, Jack, like Colton, is another fantastic person. He trains well and he wants everyone around him to improve and I'm sure he will mature into a fantastic leader.

"He and Colton have different styles. Colton is big and direct while Jack plays more minutes and uses his shuffle to get in between defenders and speed the game up."

As for Aldous' player of the year double, Ford added: "I think all the awards could have gone to a number of players because there were so many outstanding performances over the year, but it was no surprise Jack picked them up.

"He plays really big minutes for his position, he uses good footwork and he's tough. He's got good skills as well and and if we get him to use them more he can go onto another level."