FORMER York City Knights forward Mark Applegarth has been named as one of Wakefield Trinity's two new assistant coaches.

Applegarth, who played 120 times for York during two spells at the club, had spent four years as Wakefield's head of youth before taking this new role.

The 36-year-old will now work alongside newly-appointed head coach Willie Poching and fellow assistant Francis Cummins, formerly of Bradford Bulls and Widnes Vikings.

Applegarth told Wakefield Trinity's club website: “It will be fantastic to work with Willie and Francis and I can’t wait to get started.

“I was helping out a little last year and it will now be great to make that next step and coach with the squad full time.

“I will continue to oversee the youth system at the club, but my main coaching will now be with the first team and it’s something I’m really excited about.

“Willie is a genuine person who I have known since I was a kid at the club.

"He has great values and really cares about the players he works with.

"It will be great working with him and learning about the man-management of senior professionals and getting the best out of them.”

Applegarth began his playing career at hometown club Wakefield before joining York in 2008.

The versatile forward would go on to feature in the Knights side which won promotion through the Championship One play-offs in 2010.

After spells at Central Queensland Comets and Batley Bulldogs, he returned to York in 2014, with the club unable to secure a return to the Championship despite three attempts through the play-offs.

Applegarth retired in 2016 before making the move to Wakefield's backroom staff.