YORK City Knights have confirmed that Joe Porter has signed a new one-year deal with the club for 2021 thanks to the help of Squadbuilder.

Former York College student Porter made 18 appearances in 2019, crossing for two tries as he helped the team to a third-placed finish in the Betfred Championship in the Knights’ first season back in the second tier.

The 27-year-old initially caught the eye of head coach James Ford in the ‘Yorigin’ charity game in winter 2016. After the York Acorn amateur joined the Knights, he went onto make 17 appearances for the club in 2017.

The following season, Porter made 28 appearances, scoring seven tries, as the Knights won the Betfred League One title. The forward was one of the stand-out performers in the Challenge Cup fifth round tie against Catalans Dragons at Bootham Crescent in April 2018 as he scored two tries in a showing that earned the Knights many plaudits.

Of Porter’s re-signing, head coach James Ford said: “I’m pleased Joe is staying with us. It’s great to have some local lads in the side - especially ones with the drive and tenacity Joe has. I’m very confident that a faster game will really suit Joe’s speed, power and ability to disrupt our opponents’ markers.

“He could be a real handful for sides. Joe has a couple of areas he needs to reinforce with his extras to give him the best possible chances of consistently nailing a spot in our 17.”

Porter said: “I’m really pleased that I’ve been given a chance to continue the journey this club is on at the minute.

“Playing for my hometown team really means a lot to me. There’s no better feeling than getting to pull on that shirt on a Sunday and play in front of the home crowd.”

Meanwhile, chairman Jon Flatman paid tribute to those who donated their money back to the club, as well as the efforts of Squadbuilder, saying:“We wouldn’t be able to retain players like Joe without the generosity of our 2020 Knights Patrons and the continued hard work of Squadbuilder.

“Because of them, we are able to continue building a strong squad for 2021 and we hope to be able to repay their faith with a strong showing next season.”