High praise for in-form York City Knights half-back Connor Robinson

The Knights notched their sixth successive win last Sunday, their 26-16 victory at Newcastle Thunder seeing them draw level on points at the top of Betfred League One with Doncaster and title favourites Bradford Bulls.

And man-of-the-match Robinson played another key part, creating two tries and keeping a 100 per cent record with the boot, just like he had done in the narrow victory at Doncaster the previous weekend and in that at Oldham a month ago.

Ford said of the 23-year-old former Halifax youngster: “Connor is playing out of his skin.

“His game management is coming on, he’s maturing and knows when to slow the game down.

“He also takes the game plan out onto the field, and his defence is coming on too."

In the last five games, Robinson has kicked 23 goals from 25 attempts - a conversion rate of 92 per cent which compares with anyone in the professional game at present. It is also a marked improvement on last season.

Ford said: “His kicking game has been superb this year – not just the goal-kicking but his box kicks, spirals, a couple of 40-20s."

He added: “I also really liked the try (he set up against Newcastle) for Kieren Moss. We’ve spoken about a running game and that was top-drawer.

"I’m really pleased with what he’s doing.”

Ford also had praise for young winger Judah Mazive, who notched his fourth try in five appearances with an important solo effort at Kingston Park to keep Newcastle at arm's length.

The 20-year-old winter recruit from Wakefield had been selected ahead of Ash Robson, even though last year's star full-back had passed fit again.

Said Ford: "It was a great try by Judah. It’s what you want your back three to do – to come up with a play like that and turn a game in your favour.

“He’s no right to score that.

“I’m pleased for him. He works hard and does a lot of extras. He clearly wants to be the best he can be and, as a coach, you love having people like that.”