Revolving door starts to turn at York City Knights as THREE props depart

Hawksworth, who made 13 appearances for the Betfred League One champions this year, has penned a one-year deal with Hunslet in search of more game time, while Dixon, who was used sparely by York boss James Ford, seems set to join Sheffield Eagles for the same reason.

Meanwhile, The Press understands Robinson has not been offered a new deal by the Knights and could well follow Hawksworth to south Leeds, with the Parksiders among his potential suitors.

The veteran forward missed out on a 250th career appearance as he sat out the last two matches of the Knights' season, having played in 22 games up to that point.

In total he featured 46 times for York since having a four-match stint on loan from Halifax in 2016 and then joining permanently in 2017.

He previously played 83 games for Fax, 15 for Batley, 39 for Dewsbury, 35 for Oldham and 31 for Doncaster, with whom he started his pro career in 2006.

Ford, confirming the 31-year-old's exit, said: "Adam won't struggle for offers.

"He's played a big part in the club's progress on and off the field and he's very popular with the supporters but ultimately I didn't feel he was the right fit for us going forward. We're going in a slightly different direction with the players we're looking at bringing to the club.

"We wish him all the best at his next club."

Former Sheffield academy product Hawksworth, 27, caught Ford's eye while impressing for Hemel Stags in 2017 and agreed a one-year deal at York last winter following a trial spell.

He was not a first-choice packman, though, and has left the club in search of more regular action.

Dixon, who arrived from Castleford's academy a year ago, made only two substitute appearances for York and had an eight-match spell on loan at Hemel during the summer.

Ford said: "Dan has improved a lot and we were talking to him to retain him, but I had made clear the position he would be in in the squad, which would have been similar to this year.

"He wanted to feature more often and he would not have done for us based on one or two things in his game."

But he added: "Dan has played a significant part in us winning promotion and we're really thankful to him for his efforts and we wish him all the best at Hunslet.

"Likewise Rory is keen to feature more often and we wish him all the best and thank him for his efforts."

Hawksworth is Hunslet boss Gary Thornton’s second confirmed signing of the off-season following the capture of Richard Moore from Featherstone.

Thornton said: "Dan joins us following a successful season with York, where he helped them gain promotion to the Championship.

"He is a big, athletic front-rower, who will add size and power to our pack.

"He runs hard and tackles aggressively and has a terrific work ethic.

"He has been under the radar a little, spending time at Sheffield as a youngster, but is now starting to fulfil his potential and developed well last year.

"He brings a high level of enthusiasm and desire to succeed, and we are delighted to have captured his signature, and look forward to him becoming an integral part of our squad."

Hawksworth said: “I’m looking forward to working hard to establish myself as a regular at a top side in League One.

“I already know a few great lads at the club and I’ll do everything in my power to try get us promoted next season.

“After speaking with Gary and the coaching staff it was an easy decision to sign and I can't wait to get stuck into pre-season in November.”

Former Knights packman Matt Nicholson, meanwhile, is among a number of players to have left Hunslet, along with Liam Mackay, Daley Williams, Jack Coventry, Jack Walton, Gavin Duffy, Will Cooke, Danny Halmshaw and Brad Foster. The Parksiders ended seventh in the table, missing out on the play-offs.

Director of rugby Darren Williams said: "After a disappointing finish to our 2018 season and sitting down with Gary Thornton and his coaching team we agreed that we needed to freshen up the squad."