YORK City Knights boss Ford has tipped former York Acorn ARLC junior Ash Robson for a breakthrough season in Super League "if his performance on Boxing Day is anything to go by".

Ford was in the crowd as Robson, 20, starred at full-back in Castleford's 42-28 friendly win over Featherstone, scoring an individual try to boot.

Greg Minikin also crossed on his Tigers bow after joining from the Knights, likewise Colton Roche for Featherstone.

Ford reckoned Robson's display reflected well on his junior coaches at Acorn.

He said: "Greg Minikin was pretty solid with some nice touches. Cas were excellent for the first 50 minutes and he played his part.

"The most outstanding player on the day for me, though, was Ash Robson.

"It was one of the best displays I've seen from any youngster in a Boxing Day game when the ball is wet and the surface is heavy. He was so skilful, fast and agile.

"His junior coaches at Acorn should be really proud of what he's done.

"If he can replicate that form and if he continues to listen and learn then he'll surely be playing a fair bit of Super League this year."

Ford, a key coach in 20-year-old Minikin's development at York, joked: "It was actually Colton who provided me with a complimentary ticket, not Greg, so I expect more from Greg next time."