JAKE BUTLER-FLEMING’S try-scoring exploits against Hull FC have reinforced York City Knights’ belief that they have a “real quality player on our hands”.

Pre-season dual-registration rules allowed the Aussie centre to play for the Knights’ partner club, Hull KR, in their fixture against their cross-city Super League rivals on Sunday.

And, after entering the fray as a substitute midway through the first half, he went on to score a powerful solo try in Rovers’ 34-26 victory.

Knights boss James Ford – who shadowed Rovers counterpart Tim Sheens, the former Australia coach, throughout the day at the KCOM Stadium – was delighted by what he saw.

He said: “Jake was up against a top-quality Super League centre in Josh Griffin, and Josh tested him defensively, as he would any centre at that level. But Jake stood up well to that challenge and he scored an outstanding individual try.

“It reinforced our belief we’ve got a real quality player on our hands."

Of the try, he said: “It was a similar attacking shape to what we would try to do and he was on the end of a shift. They tried to cut the threat off but Jake beat five or six defenders with great footwork and strength.

“It was a really promising moment.”

Butler-Fleming played five times for York on loan from Hull KR last season before making the move permanent this winter. Sunday’s match, though, was his first proper run-out since undergoing minor knee surgery and spending the last couple of months in his native Australia, where he has trained and played some local rugby to get his fitness back.

Added Ford: “It was a good effort from him in general. He looked sharp, and he took a quality defensive catch as well.

“He did not look out of place at that level, which bodes well for us.”

Both teams had been missing a number of first-teamers and brought on several youngsters as the match wore on.

Some of those KR players may end up donning a Knights shirt on dual-registration this year. Said Ford: “From my perspective it was a quality game and one I really enjoyed.

“I would expect a number of players to be offered to us on dual-reg. I was impressed by what I saw. I spent time in the dressing room before and after the match, and they are a really well-coached bunch and seemed really happy.”

Ford also hailed the relationship with Rovers’ hierarchy.

“I spent the game with Tim and James (Rovers assistant-coach James Webster) and observed what they do. I found it a real positive experience.

“Hopefully that can help us and further improve our environment at York.”