MARCUS STOCK has signed a new deal that will keep him at York City Knights for another year.

The 25-year-old joined James Ford's men in 2019 and was a key part of the team that secured a third-placed Championship finish that year.

Since making his debut at Dewsbury Rams in 2019, forward Stock has made 56 appearances and scored 13 tries for the Knights, who have been pleased to watch him improve as a player.

Both he and York can now look forward to getting a fourth year with the club under his belt.

Head coach Ford commented: “Marcus has impressed everyone at the club with his rate of development. He’s matured into a good, attacking middle with ample room for development.

“He’s a hardworking and coachable bloke who takes ownership of his own development, which is an outstanding trait.”

Stock added: “It’s brilliant. It’s an amazing outcome. I’ve really enjoyed my three years with the Knights so far and I’m looking forward to making that a fourth year.

“There’s so many reasons to stay here.

"Plenty of players mention how good the set-up is, the coaching staff and supporting staff as well, and definitely the fans.

“This year, especially, hasn’t been as good as we would have liked it to have been on the pitch but, for me personally, everyone has stuck with me whether it be the coach, the fans… everyone has stuck with me in this tough period.

"They’ve continued to back me and I’m really happy to stay."

Last season was a disappointing one for the Knights, who finished ninth of 14 teams, in sharp relief to the successes of 2019.

Asked if putting that flat 2021 right next year is a motivating factor, Stock said: “Definitely.

"The club, the way it’s managed and run, should always be aiming for success and those high expectations are one of the reasons why I really enjoy it.

"I feel, also, that that really helps me be a better player."

Another change in coming for the Knights is that long-serving forward Tim Spears has hung up his playing boots after half a decade at York.

Spears captained the Knights until 2020 and, following his departure, Stock is looking to step up as a leader within the squad.

“A hundred per cent," he enthused. "Playing the part of a leader or a player to look up to is one of those things that I really aim for myself, that’s one of my goals.

"It’s hard to quantify but just to be that kind of Tim Spears type of character in the dressing room and at training, have that kind of impact on the younger players is something I really aspire for myself.

Away from rugby league, Stock started a new role this year as a child trafficking guardian.

On balancing the two activities, he explained: “To have a tough job in the day and then being able to come to training, to set your mind to a different kind of goal, is helpful and I think, with all the discussions about wellbeing at the minute, that is the way I look after myself, by putting everything into training after a tough day of work.

Speaking about what a successful 2022 looks like for himself, Stock said: “You always want to improve on the year before, so general improvement on the field.

"I want to be in a position, this time next year, where I can look back at what I’ve done and what I’ve done for the team and be content with the fact that I couldn’t have given any more and to be happy with where I am.”