BRAINY young dummy-half Will Jubb has agreed a contract extension to stay at York City Knights for another year - with a view to emulating Andy Ellis and establishing himself as a first-choice Championship hooker.

Jubb - who is starting a doctorate at Hull University after completing a science degree last term - played 18 times for York this year, having made 16 appearances in 2017 while on dual-reg from Hull KR.

He interchanged roles with Ellis and Harry Carter as James Ford's men lifted the Betfred League One title, but, with veteran star Ellis now retired, a greater onus could fall on the 22-year-old England Student international to steer the side around big matches in the second division.

And it is a responsibility head coach Ford reckons Jubb can handle should he continue to develop at his current rate.

"Will has demonstrated a fantastic attitude towards his and the team's development," said Ford.

"He’s progressed well over the last two seasons and I’m excited to see him challenge for our number nine jersey.

"He’s a hard-working, skilful and intelligent rugby player who is very enthusiastic about taking the next step with York City Knights."

Jubb, who previously captained the City of Hull Academy side and made a try-scoring debut for Hull KR in the 2016 Super League Qualifiers, has also filled in at loose-forward and in the back row during his time at York.

Added Ford: "I’ve no doubt that as long as Will’s attitude towards hard work and improvement remains, we’ll see him develop further through 2019."

Jubb becomes the ninth member of the squad that ended the season to be signed up for 2019 - after Carter, League One Player of the Year Connor Robinson, fellow nominee Ben Cockayne, Brad Hey, Ronan Dixon, Josh Jordan-Roberts and local favourites Ash Robson and Joe Porter.

Ford will still want a third hooker recruited this winter to take Ellis' stead and he admitted finding a suitable replacement would not be easy. But he reckons both Jubb and Carter would have benefitted massively from playing and training alongside the 33-year-old former Championship Player of the Year and Super League star.

"Losing a player of that ability and experience is always going to be disappointing," he said.

"But it does give two players (Carter and Jubb) an opportunity to really establish themselves in the Championship and I'm looking forward to seeing them vying to do so. I believe in both of them. They've progressed well over the last couple of years."

On Ellis' experience rubbing off on them over the 19 months he was at York, Ford added: "They are two very diligent young blokes and they're aware of what they're good at and where they could be better.

"They've been tapping into Andy Ellis - and why wouldn't you. It's been great to see them three aiding each other's development.

"They've had a great relationship and Harry and Will are now better equipped than they otherwise would have been if Andy had not be at the club."

Ford added he was in no rush to find the right man to replace Ellis.

He reasoned: "I'm a big believer in creating an environment where players have to try to be better every session to make sure they're in the 17. Having competition for places certainly helps that.

"If the right person for York is available and they will strengthen the team and the club, we will look at doing something.

"I have had a look at the (available) number nines from the Championship this year and have decided not to pursue them - the two that we have (Jubb and Carter) are better than those who are available.

"That doesn't mean we are not looking to strengthen in that area. We look to strengthen all areas as long as it benefits the team.

"Circumstances change all the time with players becoming available. You never know what's around the corner.

"Rather than sign the wrong player for York I would rather wait and be patient and make sure the signings we bring in are right."