STEVE LEWIS will be back at Huntington Stadium this year after agreeing a deal to stay with York City Knights.

The 23-year-old winger had rejected an initial offer from the club back in the autumn but has now agreed similar terms, and will put pen to paper as soon as he gets to training – after the bad weather saw this week’s sessions called off.

That bad weather has also caused Sunday’s friendly at home to Hunslet to be postponed, as feared, due to a snow-covered and frost-bound pitch.

Both clubs agreed, with the forecast for the big freeze to continue, to call it off now rather than wait for a pitch inspection at the weekend. It has been rearranged for Thursday, January 21, kick off 7.30pm, subject to ratification from the Rugby Football League.

All pre-booked tickets for Sunday will be valid on that date.

Lewis – who joins Mark Applegarth and Danny Ratcliffe as the only players to start 2008 at the Knights and still be here – became a firm hit with the fans towards the end of that first season after switching to the wing and scoring 11 tries in ten games to help propel the side into the play-offs.

Injuries, however, restricted him to just six appearances in 2009, at the end of the campaign.

Knights general manager Ian Wilson said: “In the second half of 2008 he was outstanding – probably one of the form wingers in the league.

“We were hoping for a big year last year but due to injuries he only played a handful of games and by the time he started to hit his straps the season was finished.

“But he’s been keeping himself fit in the off-season. He knows the club, he knows some of the players and (head coach) James Ratcliffe. He will slot straight back in.”

Lewis, who had spoken to rival clubs before deciding to stay at York, originally arrived from Wakefield Trinity Wildcats as a centre, and therefore he offers more competition for places in that position too, where the Knights are light.

Wilson said: “We’re lacking a bit of experience at centre and he can play there. He’s not the oldest, but he’s got a couple of years’ experience at this level, which is important.

“We’re pleased to have him back and look forward to getting him out on the field and injury-free.”