JAMES FORD has hailed the "outstanding" performance of man-of-the-match Liam Harris after York City Knights’ 46-6 pre-season win over Midlands Hurricanes.

Harris arrived at York on a permanent deal during the off-season following two previous loan spells at the Knights.

And the half-back was the stand-out performer against the newly-rebranded Midlands, grabbing two tries and an assist as York dominated the first half.

"I thought Liam was outstanding,” said head coach Ford. "I thought he was a running threat, he kicked well and there were some really intelligent kicking options from Liam.

“He was a running threat and he should have scored (again) in the corner, I don’t know what he was doing. But he looked the part did Liam.”

The York boss was able to field two out-and-out halves at the LNER Community Stadium, a somewhat rare sight given the club’s injury problems in the position last year.

Harris started alongside fellow half Jamie Ellis, who also returned to York permanently during the autumn.

“There were glimpses in his performance that showed his ability but we didn’t see the best of Jamie,” assessed Ford.

“I believe in him wholeheartedly and I know for sure that we’ll see a better Jamie next week against Cas.”

Midlands were no match for York in the first half as the Knights ran up a commanding 28-0 lead at the break.

The League One outfit did have a period of sustained pressure after the restart amid an increase in York’s handling errors, though the Knights capped their display with two late tries.

“I thought parts of it were really good,” said Ford. “At times I thought we looked cohesive, really slick and threatening.

“I thought we looked strong and robust defensively in the large but mixed (in with that), I thought there were some bits and pieces in there that weren’t quite good enough.

“I thought our timing and link-up play on long-side shifts probably wasn’t where it needed to be. I thought we missed too many short-sides.

“I thought we just made some really poor decisions around the ruck, when our nines went to run and which side to go to.

“But it is game one and they will get better for that.

“I thought in the second half there were too many missed tackles.

"But again, it’s game one and we will get better.”