YORK City Knights head coach James Ford has called on rugby fans to turn out in force for new signing Ben Cockayne's testimonial match this weekend.

Cockayne makes a quick return to Craven Park as the Knights take on his former club Hull KR on Sunday (3pm).

The match is the second pre-season fixture for Ford's class of 2018 and will see the 34-year-old winger make his bow for the club following his high-profile recruitment.

The clash is also in Cockayne's honour to mark his stellar career primarily with Rovers, for whom he made 229 appearances, along with Wakefield (56 appearances) and Featherstone (nine appearances).

Said Ford: "Hopefully it will be a really good occasion for Ben.

"He's had a really good career and he's immensely well thought of at Hull KR, and rightly so.

"He's the kind of player supporters want in their team and the kind players want to play with. He never takes a backward step and gives 100 per cent in everything he does.

"I'm enjoying working with him and I hope fans of both York and Hull KR turn out in numbers and make it a real special occasion for him."