NEW recruit Jason Golden has promised York City Knights fans honest endeavours and 100 per cent effort as he looks to develop his fledgling career at Huntington Stadium.

The 20-year-old second-rower, who has joined York on loan, will make his bow in blue on Sunday as a substitute in the Knights' opening friendly of 2006, against his parent club, Leeds Rhinos (3pm).

He has been impressed with everything he has seen at York so far and is determined to make his year-long switch pay dividends.

"I'm a hard worker, I'm honest and I will give it my all on the field," he said.

"So far I've loved everything at York - the players, the coaching, the ground - and I'm just looking forward to a good year."

Golden had little hesitation in joining York after hearing how the Knights could help his career.

"I was speaking to Tony Smith (Leeds head coach) and, as he put it, this is a good opportunity for me to play against men rather than Under-21s. It's the next level up.

"I see it as a good opportunity to prove myself at that higher standard and I'm looking forward to it.

"I want to get into the York first team and establish myself, play well and push with York to do well in Division One. I also want to get on with the team. I've had a few training sessions and they're a great bunch."

Another key factor in Golden's move was Mick Cook. The Knights boss and fellow former Leeds Academy coach Stuart Wilkinson, who is now assistant-boss at Wigan, were major influences on the youngster's development, as were former Leeds pack idols Barrie McDermott and David Furner.

"I played for Cooky on a few occasions over three years and then for the year before he joined York, and I got on really well with him," said Golden.

"He's a great coach and a great person. He's very honest and someone I could talk to after games."

As for McDermott and Furner, he explained: "In my first year with Leeds' first-team, Barrie McDermott helped me a lot, just talking to him. Just a few words before training or games really helped me.

"David Furner was a great influence. I remember having a meeting with Daryl Powell (then director of rugby at the Rhinos) and he showed me a video of him and said this is the kind of standards you need to set yourself."

Golden admits Sunday's friendly against his old mates might feel odd but says it won't affect the way he plays.

"I've looked at the Leeds team for Sunday and there are a lot of lads I've grown up with," he said. "It will be a bit funny to play against them as it's something I've not done before, but once you start playing it will be the same as any other game. I'll still approach it in the same way."

Updated: 11:19 Friday, January 13, 2006