YORK City Knights have continued their retention for the 2020 Betfred Championship season with the re-signing of forward Jordan Baldwinson.

The prop joined York on loan from Wakefield in April but a month later he turned his move to North Yorkshire into a permanent one, thanks to the contributions of the club’s Squadbuilder fund.

Baldwinson made 16 appearances in all for the Knights last year, scoring one try, as the club secured a memorable third-placed finish.

The 2015 Championship young player of the year has now penned a new deal for 2020 as coach James Ford further strengthens his forward pack.

Ford was eager to praise the former the Leeds Rhinos forward’s character and size as key attributes for next year.

“Jordan is another player that we feel has at least another couple of levels in him,” said Ford.

“At some really testing times last season, Jordan stood up and showed immense character. That character will stand Jordan and York in good stead.

“Jordan is a good size (6ft 3in) and is another front rower who has much more ability with the ball than he realises.

“We’ll be looking to encourage a little more offload and play without losing any of that physicality in him for the coming season.”

Baldwinson added: “I’m delighted to extend my time at York. I’ve really enjoyed my development at the club both individually and as part of this team. I want to keep improving and being the best player I can be, I’m sure under Fordy I can achieve that.”

“Hopefully we can build off the back of last season and really push on with that winning mentality in the new stadium.”

Baldwinson began his career at the Leeds academy and played twice for his hometown club in his first spell, making his Super League debut in 2013 against Widnes Vikings.

A move to NRL side New Zealand Warriors followed in 2014 where he played for the club’s under-20s side.

He returned to England on loan at then-Super League Bradford Bulls before his first spell at Featherstone - going on to make almost 80 appearances for the Rovers in all.

In 2016, the prop returned to Leeds and two seasons later he penned a deal with fellow West Yorkshire side Wakefield Trinity.

Loan spells at Leigh Centurions and Halifax, both in the Championship, came during his time at Belle Vue before his permanent move to the Knights earlier this year.

The 25-year-old becomes the 16th York player announced to have signed a deal with the club for 2020, with more due to be revealed in the forthcoming weeks.

The 16 players currently signed on for 2020 are: Joe Porter, Sam Scott, Jack Teanby, Jason Bass, Connor Robinson, Kriss Brining, Matty Marsh, Perry Whiteley, Ronan Dixon, Will Jubb, Jordan Baldwinson, Danny Washbrook, Chris Clarkson, James Green, Ben Johnston and Will Sharp.