YORK City Knights have been given a timely boost ahead of their potential season-defining match on Sunday - with Ben Cockayne agreeing terms to stay at the club in 2019.

The former Hull KR cult hero, who turned 35 in July, has enjoyed a stellar first season at York, helping to take James Ford's team to the top of Betfred League One with three games remaining.

They face Oldham, a team scrapping for a play-off spot, at Bootham Crescent on Sunday knowing victory is crucial to stay ahead of Bradford Bulls in the race for the sole automatic promotion spot.

Ford said: “I’m delighted Ben has signed a new deal.

"His tenacity and experience have been vital both on and off the field, and he deserves credit for looking after himself and keeping in great shape.

“Ben has been key in the development of some of our outstanding young players and I'm pleased he'll be around next year to continue his important role in the squad.

“I’d also like to thank the supporters who have backed the club immensely by purchasing their season tickets in brilliant numbers, allowing us to budget for the squad accordingly."

Cockayne arrived at York as a full-back or winger but, after being thrust in at stand-off to fill a void earlier in the season, has enjoyed a new lease of life, forming a devastating half-back combination with Connor Robinson which has been key to the current club record 12-match winning run.

Asked if he was surprised at Cockayne's adeptness in the creative department, Ford, who is the same age, joked: "He was an outstanding half-back for Normanton Knights Under-8s.

"I remember playing against him and thinking, 'When he's 35 I'm going to sign him and play him at half-back'."

He reasoned: "He can pass, kick, he runs intelligent lines, he's a good support player. He's come from a system where we played lots of small-sided games in preparation and from that you get well-rounded skills.

"I always knew he had the skill set - playing full-back and half-back are similar in several ways. 

"What's impressed me most is his leadership and game management and his appetite to learn.

"I do think there's another level in him, as bizarre as that sounds for a bloke of his age and experience."

He added: "He's very tenacious, hard-working and professional and he's an outstanding communicator and, regardless of the position he's in, he will bring those qualities.

"What's impressed me most is his attitude towards work.

"It's a new position and there are things he does exceptionally well and things he's working at.

"For a bloke who's played 200 Super League games to still have that approach is tremendous.

"He brings the best out of people and he demands the best of the players around him.
"He's had an outstanding season but it's not finished yet and he's got a massive role to play in the final part of the campaign."

Cockayne was a relatively late starter in the pro ranks, making his debut for Hunslet in 2004 aged 21, but he has gone on to make more than 300 appearances in the pro arena.

He moved to Hull KR in 2006 for the first of two spells at Craven Park. He also played nine games for Featherstone in 2011 and 56 for Wakefield Trinity between 2012 and 2013.

Cockayne joined the Knights ahead of this season.

He said: “I'm very proud and privileged to be staying on at York.

"The whole experience has been superb - the facilities, the training and the playing and coaching staff, who are all outstanding people. I can’t wait to continue the journey.

"We’ve by no means finished this year and it’s a tough run-in to finish the season but me and the boys will be doing our utmost to finish in first position.

"I have to say a big thanks to Fordy and JF (chairman Jon Flatman) for giving me the opportunity to go around again with York.

"Once conversations opened up I had no intentions of testing the market and looking around because I’m very happy and I think that’s helping me make a positive contribution to the team.

"The new stadium excites me, prospects of where York can go as a club excite me and to be able to play a small part in all of that excites me and gives me a real sense of purpose. I’m as hungry as ever to keep playing and keep working hard for the whole organisation."