YORK City Knights have pulled off another major coup with the signing of former Great Britain tourist Graeme Hallas.

The 31-year-old will combine playing duties at Huntington Stadium with a coaching role, working under head player-coach Paul Broadbent.

Hallas was a regular last season for the Northern Ford Premiership-conquering Huddersfield Giants, who remained unbeaten throughout the campaign and won immediate promotion back to Super League. He also starred in their Grand Final-winning side last month.

Released by the Giants, he today became the latest major acquisition for Knights chief executive Steve Ferres.

Speaking to the Evening Press, Ferres said: "It's another quality signing for us. He will bring a wealth of experience to the club. He's played the game at all levels and he will complement Paul and help bring fetch on the youngsters that we hope to get on board.

"We're obviously delighted to get someone who has previously toured with Great Britain."

The 6ft 1in Hallas, who has a century of goals to his name in his time, has formerly played for both of Hull's rugby league clubs as well as Halifax, Keighley and Huddersfield, much of that time in Super League. He also had a spell with Saracens in rugby union's top flight.

Previously a Great Britain Under-21 international, he toured Australia and New Zealand with the Great Britain senior squad in 1992 while on Hull Kingston Rovers' books, with whom he started his professional career in 1988 having signed from top amateur club Dudley Hill.

He played eight times on that tour, twice as substitute, scoring two tries and one goal, though he did not break into the Test team.

In his career, he has played more than 260 professional matches, scoring 78 tries and kicking 100 goals and five drop goals.

Broadbent said Hallas would be a key figure in the coaching team. "He's an experienced player who's got ambitions to be involved in coaching," he said.

"He's a senior player with a lot of know-how and a lot of ability."

Updated: 11:59 Thursday, November 21, 2002