COREY JOHNSON says that he is relishing his time at York City Knights after almost 18 months out of professional rugby league.

Johnson walked away from the sport in March of last year before signing another deal with former club Leeds Rhinos in July.

Immediately, it was announced that Johnson would spend the remainder of the year with York, with the youngster impressing in his early outings for James Ford's side.

Explaining his decision to briefly leave the sport, Johnson said: “I had never experienced anything outside of rugby league.

“There were some things that I wanted to do and experience in my life, work-wise and gaining knowledge through an apprenticeship and now I’m at (Leeds Beckett) University.

“I’m in my first year and now I’m ready to focus back on rugby again and really get stuck into what I want to achieve in the sport.”

The hooker was one of the most highly-rated youngsters in the sport when he decided upon a break. He had already made his debut for Leeds and represented the England academy.

But, it was not until having a conversation with Castleford Tigers star Paul McShane that Johnson returned to Hunslet Club Parkside, who the former coaches, earlier this summer.

“I hadn’t thought about rugby for a long time," said the 20-year-old. "Then, Macca, who coaches at Parkside, got in touch and then I started playing there.

“I hadn’t touched a rugby ball or stepped on a rugby field for a very long time and Macca is obviously a very good player himself and a really good coach.

"Hunslet are a very good side and one of the best amateur teams in the country. And to be fair, it’s a really good competition to play in.

“I thought that I’d try it out, see what it is like for me and I really enjoyed it there.

“Then Fordy got in touch and I then spoke with Leeds and got on my way to get back into the sport, without jumping straight back into that full-time environment.

“York was the perfect opportunity for me and Fordy was keen (to have me), so I couldn’t really pass it up.”

Despite his lengthy time out of the game, Johnson has showed little signs of struggling to get back to the intensity and fitness levels required for Betfred Championship rugby league.

“At Hunslet, I was a little bit rusty to start with and I had to blow the cobwebs off," recalled Johnson.

“Every since I’ve been at York, I’ve just been getting my head down and working on my skills, my extras and getting in as much conditioning as I possibly can to make sure that I’m as fit as possible for game days.

“I kept myself well, even in the time off. (James) Metcalfe (strength and conditioning coach) has been putting me through my paces at every opportunity.

“I’m feeling good at the minute, but I’ll need to keep working hard.”

Looking forward, Johnson could find himself deployed at half-back for York. Following Mikey Lewis' return to Hull Kingston Rovers, the Knights are searching for a partner to Matty Marsh and although by trade he is a hooker, Johnson has previously played in the halves.

Johnson added: “I grew up playing half-back and I only started playing hooker in the scholarship and academy set-up at Leeds.

“Hooker is my predominant position, so that’s my main focus. But, I’m hoping to play in other positions as well. To fill in or do a job anywhere, I’ll take that opportunity with both hands."