YORK City Knights have retained their 2019 Player of the Year Matty Marsh for the 2021 Betfred Championship season.

Marsh will enter his third full season with the club and follows Will Jubb and Chris Clarkson in penning new deals at the Knights.

The full-back first featured for York on dual registration from Hull Kingston Rovers, helping the club win the 2018 League 1 after scoring 10 tries in 12 appearances.

He then made his move to the Knights permanent and was named Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year for 2019 as James Ford’s side secured third-place upon their return to the Championship.

The 25-year-old also finished as the team’s top try-scorer with 16 tries last year and had scored six times in six matches earlier this year before the season was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“I’m delighted that we’ve been able to re-sign Matty,” said Knights head coach Ford on the deal which has been secured with the help of the club’s Squadbuilder.

“He’s been one of our key players for the last few seasons and we all believe the best is yet to come.

“He’s probably played less than 40 games at fullback and with his positive attitude towards feedback and learning I’m convinced we’ll see a better all round version in 2021.

“I’m looking forwards to seeing how a quicker more fluid game suits Matty’s strength.

“I’d like to thank the efforts of our supporters - specifically the Knights 2020 Patrons and Squadbuilder - for their hard work and continuing commitment, which is enabling us to plan and build for what will hopefully be another successful season.”

Marsh added: “It was an easy decision for me to sign again for next season, there is nowhere I’d rather be then playing for this team.

“I think the direction the club is heading is really exciting and I’m honoured and proud to be a part of it.

Having the support from the fans we have is a big factor in wanting to stay, and I’m really looking forward to finally getting to play and entertain them in the new LNER Community Stadium.”