YORK City Knights trialist Matt Chilton is heading back to amateur club York Acorn - but the teenage sensation could yet be seen in League One action this year.

The Knights have today announced the recruitment of prop Dan Hawksworth after his month-long trial, boosting their options in the pack.

But Chilton, who notched three tries in three pre-season outings for his hometown semi-pro club, has not been offered a contract - primarily because current number one Ash Robson and marquee signing Ben Cockayne will always start the season above him in the pecking order for the full-back berth.

Knights boss James Ford, however, insists Chilton has a future in the pro arena and that fans "should not be surprised" if he dons the Knights shirt as early as this season, with the club keen to play a part in his ongoing development.

"I've been really impressed with how he's gone about things," said Ford of the 19-year-old, who scored against Featherstone last Sunday after coming on as sub, having notched twice in his first run-out against his mates in the York & District ARL XIII. He also showed up well as a sub against Hull KR.

"I don't think he could have done much more. He scored three tries in probably less than 80 minutes of rugby for us, and he fitted really well into our culture. He seemed really happy in our environment."

One issue faced by the Knights and Chilton is that the National Conference League, in which Acorn play, do not allow dual-registration with pro players. That means if he signs but finds his game-time restricted, he cannot play on dual-reg for his community club. That is unlike Liam Jackson, who has signed from Heworth but can return to the Villagers on DR as the Yorkshire Men's League allow it.

Explained Ford: "If he signed for us but didn't play, he'd not be able to play for his community club. That could mean a 19-year-old not playing the game, and that'd be a travesty.

"If we didn't care about the community game we would have signed him. However, we don't want to take players out of their community club if they're not likely to play week in week out.

"It's important he gets to play. He's 19 and he's playing in a challenging position at full-back.

"National Conference standards are decent and there are some good coaches in there who'll help players like Matt improve.

"If we pick up injuries or suffer loss of form, I'll be getting straight on the phone and inviting him back down. I really do think he's got a future in the pro game.

"We are still going to work with him, though, to help him develop and we're confident he's in the right environment at Acorn.

"It would not surprise me, and it shouldn't surprise supporters, to see him make his debut for us at some point."

Acorn boss Leigh Paul-Rientoul said: "The Knights are happy with everything Matt did. His trial went great. He's just got the likes of Ben Cockayne and Ash Robson in front of him.

"I think this is the best all round. If anything happens to Ben or Ash, Matt can always go back. We didn't want to stop him going there and, if they're still keeping tabs on him, he'll be getting great advice on his conditioning and his development, and hopefully he can bring that into his performances with us.

"I think the Knights have been very professional about it.

"James rang me after speaking to Matt and I've spoken to (chairman) Jon Flatman as well. I think Matt is happy, we're happy and the Knights are as well."

Meanwhile, prop Hawksworth has penned a one-year deal.

The Sheffield Eagles academy product - and a former amateur tourist with Yorkshire - impressed for Hemel in 2017, making 15 appearances for the League One minnows, and has featured in all of the Knights' pre-season fixtures so far.

Ford said: “For Hemel he did some positive things against us. He was a handful when carrying the ball.

“He’s worked hard in training, he’s big, strong, athletic and aggressive.

“It’s a big step up for Dan coming from to York, in terms of our expectations, and the amount of involvement we expect from a middle-unit player and the consistency we expect.

“But he’s shown a really positive attitude, he’s working hard and he’s deserved his offer.

“There are a number of players vying for these middle places. Dan's one of them and, if he performs well, he will give himself a real opportunity to be in there.

“He knows where he has to improve and he’s trying to do that, and good luck to him.”