NOTABLE new recruit Ben Cockayne reckons York City Knights have an "exciting year ahead" as they eye success in Betfred League One.

Preparations for the new campaign stepped up today with the official launch of the 2018 rugby league season, with all Super League, Championship and League One clubs being represented at Huddersfield Giants' John Smith's Stadium.

Former Hull Kingston Rovers winger Cockayne, who joined Knights boss James Ford at the event, reiterated his belief that the Knights will be up there in the reckoning, saying his eyes have been further opened to the quality and toughness in the squad following his two run-outs with his new team-mates.

He gets a third this Sunday when the Knights play their final pre-season fixture at home to League One rivals Hunslet (3pm), prior to the big kick off against fallen giants Bradford Bulls next month.

"I think we showed up well in both games," said the 34-year-old, referring to the 28-6 defeat to Super League side Hull KR in his testimonial match earlier this month and last weekend's 22-12 loss to Championship big guns Featherstone in the freezing sleet and mud at Post Office Road.

"With the Featherstone game I don't think any coach would have got much out of it other than mental toughness.

"We've shown grit and determination in both games and I think it shows we'll be a tough team to play against."

He added: "I think they've been very respectable scorelines. We felt we could have beaten Featherstone but we just slipped away at the end and conceding that last-ditch try took it away to 10 points.

"In the first half against Hull KR they put out a strong side and punished us when we made mistakes. In the second half we competed really well and drew with them.

"There were positives to take out of both games as well as things to fix up.

"I think it's opened my eyes to what quality we have in the side.

"I didn't know too many of the boys too well but to be able to see at first hand the quality, I've been really impressed. We've got an exciting year in front of us."

Cockayne reckoned it was tough to call who would probably be up there with the Knights in the race for promotion,

"Bradford Bulls are obvious candidates," he said. "Oldham will be tough to beat. It will be tough going to Cumbria (Workington and Whitehaven). There are quite a few.

"You never know, though. It's that kind of competition.

"You see it every year. You'll have an idea of who you think will be up there and then someone pops up. Look as Castleford last year in Super League. I think it's all very open, to be honest."