WINGER Elliott Wallis is a player with “massive potential”, York City Knights coach James Ford has said.

The 19-year-old has joined York on a season-long loan from Super League side Hull Kingston Rovers having scored two tries in six games for the Robins over the past two seasons.

Wallis is making a move away from his parent club for the first time to join up with York, and Ford is looking forward to working with the young prospect.

“Elliott is a player with massive potential,” hailed Ford, pictured. “He’s already played five or six Super League games at the age of 18.

“Being in and around the England academy was when I first came across Elliott.

“He’s big for his age, he’s strong and very aggressive too and he’s got a fair turn of speed.

“There are one or two things with Elliott that we need to work on.

“But Elliott and his agent think that he’s in the right place to be able to do that and I’m certainly willing to invest my time into Elliott as a person and a player.

“I believe that if we can get the first part of that right, then the second bit will look after itself.

Asked whether Wallis will likely find himself behind respective squad numbers two and five Perry Whitely and Will Sharp, Ford replied: “That all depends upon his progress.

“Elliott will be challenging Will, Bassy (Jason Bass) and Perry for a starting wing spot.

“Here we don’t have first-choice or second-choice players.

“We’ve just got a squad of players and the lads that train the best play.”

The Knights boss was also eager to praise the impact of fellow winger Sharp, one of two players signed from Halifax over the off-season alongside Ben Johnston.

Sharp, 33, is a vastly experienced player and a fan-favourite during his time with Fax, winning the club’s player of the year award in 2017.

“Sharpy’s been great for us so far,” said Ford. “He’s looked quick, strong and he’s very enthusiastic.

“The boys have really taken to him and he’s full of energy. He’s right up there in terms of his popularity in the group.

“I’m really looking forward to working with Will. He’s looked really good in the skill sessions and he’s tough in contact.

“I think Will will be a really promising signing for us.”