Danger-man hooker Jamaine Wray will be terrorising National League One sides this summer after signing a two-year deal with York City Knights.

The impressive ex-Castleford Tigers and Leeds Rhinos Academy player has frequently struck fear into opposition fans at Hunslet Hawks.

But he is now looking to wreak his trademark havoc from inside a Knights shirt, as he spoke exclusively to the Evening Press.

The 22-year-old will officially sign tonight after the Knights struck a cash deal with Hunslet Hawks plus an agreement to play a friendly.

Chief executive John Guildford said: "He's been a thorn in our side for a few years now so it'll be good to have him on our side."

Said head coach Mick Cook: "He will add some strength to our squad and a lot of pace.

"He's established himself in National League Two and I gave him my vote for young player of the year last season - he's impressed a lot of people."

Cook and Wray first crossed paths at the Leeds academy before Wray got his first strides in Super League with Castleford Tigers.

A reunion with Cook and the prospect of the backing of hundreds of dedicated fans every week are two key factors in the hooker's decision to come to the Huntington Stadium.

Said Wray: "It was a bit of a shock at first but it's starting to sink in now and I'm dead excited.

"To play at York now consistently would be better than playing for Cas because I only played a few times when I was really young.

"From last year, we always got the feeling York was a good place to go and I always knew it would be - especially with the good support there at York.

"The fans have always been great there and have always complimented me saying they wished I was there - and now I am."

Wray will hook up with his new team-mates for the first time tonight with a view to making a first appearance on Sunday at home to Dewsbury Rams in the first knockout round of the Northern Rail Cup - competition rules permitting.

The extra option at number nine has the added bonus of freeing up utility man Johnny Liddell to play elsewhere on the field where injuries are carving through Cook's team selections every week.

Added Cook: "We need a bit more explosiveness around the ruck and he will give that to us.

"He's a very similar player to Jimmy (Elston) in that respect. They are both quick, explosive and he should give us a bit more in the way of options."

Updated: 10:17 Thursday, April 20, 2006