LIAM HARRIS has returned to York City Knights after the half-back penned a one-year deal with the club for the 2022 season.

Harris has had two previous loan spells at the club, in 2017 and 2019, but has now agreed to a permanent switch with James Ford’s side.

In his first stint from Hull KR, the half-back scored 14 tries in 18 matches as York missed out on promotion from League One, narrowly losing the play-off semi-final 21-20 at Whitehaven.

The half-back’s performances would earn him the League One Young Player of the Year award and a move to Betfred Super League giants Hull FC, before heading back to the Knights in 2019.

Harris formed a deadly partnership with Connor Robinson as York secured a third-placed finish upon their promotion to the Betfred Championship.

Harris and Robinson continued their fruitful pairing at Halifax Panthers and were again part of a side which placed third in the Championship while at the Shay this year.

In 2022, Harris appears set to partner fellow new signing Jamie Ellis in the halves, who arrived from top-flight outfit Leigh Centurions last month.

York half Morgan Smith is rumoured to be heading for Featherstone Rovers, while the future of fellow playmaker Brendan O’Hagan has yet to be announced.

On Harris’ move Ford said: “Liam is a player I really enjoyed working with previously and I’m confident I’ll enjoy it again.

“He is an intelligent young man who has yet to play to his full potential.

“He’ll bring a good level of game management, a strong kicking game, and a threat with his pace and distribution skills.”

Knights chairman Jon Flatman hailed the influence of the club’s Squad Builder in the deal.

He said: “The importance of Squad Builder mustn’t be underestimated.

“The work done by them in raising funds and gathering donations for the club really does help and, hopefully, with the signing of players with Liam’s quality, fans can see the difference it makes.”