TRY-SCORING machine Kriss Brining has admitted getting "a bit emotional" after playing what is likely to be his last match for York City Knights.

Salford-bound Brining fittingly marked the encounter – last Saturday's League One play-off defeat in Toulouse – with a trademark try from dummy-half, his 22nd touchdown in 26 appearances this season, 18 of which have come off the bench.

It was his 45th in 45 games over the past two years, a scoring rate made more remarkable by the fact he plays in an interchange position, and one which attracted the attentions of Super League scouts – with a move to the Red Devils long since mooted.

Having first played in York's old scholarship aged 12, his departure will come after a decade with the club.

"I did get a bit emotional in the changing rooms, I must admit," he said. "I've been at this club since I was 12. It's a long time.

"But I'm excited by what challenge lies ahead. We'll see what happens."

Having made his debut in April 2011 aged 17 years 148 days, then the club's youngest-ever player, Brining has since made 86 first-team appearances in all, notching 54 tries.

"I'd like to thank everyone at York City Knights – the players, the coaching staff, people like Mick Ramsden especially (former scholarship and assistant-coach) and James Ford. They've been fantastic to me over the years.

"All the coaching staff down the years. Dave Woods gave me my first-team debut and there's people like Barry Gargan (scholarship coach) and Will Leatt (assistant-coach).

"My family put a lot of effort in getting me to training and I had to come on the train from Scarborough for years. I had to rely on other people – they know who they are – and I can't thank everyone enough.

"The supporters as well – they've been brilliant to me."

The Knights could only field 12 men last Saturday – a sorry end to a once promising season which has been hit by off-field uncertainty. Several players could not get time off work to make the trip to the south of France at short notice – the same scenario that befell the Knights during the Super 8s when they travelled with only 15.

But regardless of the 62-10 defeat, Brining said: "I'm really proud of everyone. I can't tell you how proud I am. All 12 players gave their all.

"One thing we've always said is we stick together. We knew the odds were against us but we gave it our all and the result is what it is."

Of the squad as a whole, he added: "People have families and need to work to provide. If people couldn't get off work, they couldn't get off work. Nobody blames anyone for not going.

"I think the powers that be need to look at the system. I don't know the solutions but it obviously needs some reconsideration.

"Coming into the Super 8s, we had very little notice (for our game in Toulouse). But they are a full-time team and maybe they could play their away games first and give more time for those who are part-time to get time off work."

The Knights began the Super 8s in turmoil after chairman John Guildford said he was to close the club, claiming City of York Council's community stadium scheme and the groundshare at York City made it unsustainable.

He later said he would see out the season but uncertainty remains over next year amid takeover talks.

Brining said: "It's been tough – I'd be lying if I didn't say that. But we're a close group.

"When we got told the club was folding, we all said that night we would stick together and see what happens and we did that.

"We never do it easy but we never say die. Whether it's 17 or 12 blokes, we've always given our all for each other. I'm proud to have been part of that."