SECOND-ROW enforcer Sam Scott says York City Knights are a club on the rise and that it was a "no-brainer" to pen a new deal.

As reported by The Press, the 28-year-old, a key player in the Knights' Betfred League One title triumph, has agreed a new two-year contract which keeps him in the Minster city until the end of 2020.

He has played the bulk of his career in the Championship, including helping Sheffield Eagles reach back-to-back Grand Finals in 2011 and 2012, and is now looking forward to returning there with a buoyant Knights outfit comprising a "great set of lads" and "first-class" support.

Scott said: "I'm really pleased to be staying for the next two years - I really enjoyed last season.

"It's certainly a club on the rise and I'm fortunate enough to be involved at the right time, alongside a great set of lads.

"Credit to Jon Flatman (chairman) and Fordy (head coach James Ford) and all the staff. It's a brilliantly well-run club, and we as players are very well looked after in terms of the training facilities and what they do off the field for us.

"A two-year deal was a no-brainer, back playing in the Championship, with a new stadium on the way.

"It's a great place to be at the moment. I'm enjoying my rugby, and my family love coming to watch and are made to feel welcome.

"Finally the support we got from fans last year was first class.

"The atmosphere in some of the big games was brilliant. The lads really appreciate the fans coming to watch and also credit the club for all the marketing and promotion that goes on."

l WILL OAKES, who played 10 times for York City Knights this season on dual-reg from Hull KR, scoring six tries, has been named in the Scotland squad for the upcoming European Championship. Teenage winger Oakes also played eight times for his parent club. The top two teams from the Euros will be granted automatic passage to the 2021 World Cup in England.