YORK City Knights have signed half-back Connor Robinson from Championship big guns Halifax - further underlining their ambitions.

The Press revealed on Saturday that a notable new signing was imminent, and the 22-year-old playmaker has now been unveiled as the latest recruit, just 12 days after the arrival of 6ft 6in prop Samir Tahraoui from Rochdale.

Moreover, Robinson, who can also play at hooker and full-back, has agreed a two-and-a-half-year contract - subject to clearance from the Rugby Football League - taking him to the end of the 2019 season.

The deal has been assisted by money from the supporter-led squadbuilder fund.

Knights head coach James Ford, whose team are on a five-match winning run in League One, said: "I’m really looking forward to working with Connor and I'm confident he will be able to take the team forward.

"He's a good player and a good person. He's obviously got enormous potential and we're looking forward to helping him fulfil it. 

"He's clearly a talented young player and there's more in him as well. I'm confident we've got a player who can kick onto the next level."

Robinson could go straight into the squad for Sunday's trip to arch-rivals Hunslet, with Ford, while hailing his utility value, confirming the plan is to deploy him in the halves.

"It will be exciting to watch him build relationships with our ever-improving team," he said.

"He's got a lot of positive attributes, including an ability to play well in a number of positions. That has maybe made it harder for him to nail down one spot, but he's going to start in the halves for us."

On the fact Robinson has penned a two-and-a-half year deal, Ford said: "I'm really grateful the new owners are letting me build a team not only for now but with the future in mind.

"Connor is still young for a half-back and he's only going to get better. It shows the club are looking to build for the longer-term.

"I'm also pleased the club are backing my judgement to tie players down."

He added: “I'd like to thank the efforts of our supporters and specifically squadbuilder for their hard work and commitment, which is enabling us to plan and build for the future.

“I would also like to thank Richard Marshall (Halifax boss) and Halifax for dealing with the transfer with the utmost professionalism.” 

Robinson initially came through the academy at Hull KR and made his Super League debut in 2014, against London Broncos. 

After a brief loan spell in League One with Coventry in early 2015, he made a second Super League appearance, against Wigan, before switching to Halifax, initially on dual-registration and then making the move permanent that July.

He played 12 times for Fax that season, including five in the Super League Qualifiers after helping them finish in the top four of the Championship, scoring two tries.

He made 14 appearances last season, often utilised at hooker, scoring seven tries, and has played seven times this year, scoring one try, although he has not featured since Fax's 24-12 Challenge Cup defeat to Featherstone on May 11.

He has been competing for playmaking slots with the likes of Scott Murrell, York-born ace Ben Johnston, Gareth Moore, Ben Kaye, Brandon Moore, Morgan Punchard and James Woodburn-Hall.

It was announced yesterday that Fax had released him "due to work commitments", a new role making it harder for the Hull-based half-back to get to The Shay in time for training.

The Knights' hierarchy quickly confirmed they had snapped him up.

Fax coach Marshall said: “Connor has been offered a promotion at work which he feels he can’t turn down.

“He has got to do what is best for himself and his family. His work commitments mean he is unable to make it over to Halifax in time for our training sessions. He is looking for a team closer to his home and we won’t stand in his way as work and family always come first for any of us.

“Connor has been a positive squad member over the last few years and we wish him all the very best in his future endeavours.”

Robinson said: “My promotion at work means I will be doing later shifts which, with me travelling from Hull, means I would miss virtually all of the sessions.

"I’ve some fond memories from my time at Halifax, the highlight being playing in the 2015 Qualifiers and going the length of the field for a try against Sheffield in the same competition. I leave with good memories and wish the lads all the best going forward.”