LIAM HARRIS admits that there is an “added incentive to get those bragging rights” as he prepares to face his former club on Sunday (3pm).

Third plays fourth in the Betfred Championship this weekend as York City Knights take on Halifax Panthers at the LNER Community Stadium.

Harris left Halifax to return to York over the off-season and the half-back has since been a stand-out player in the Knights’ run of nine wins from their first 11 league matches, scoring seven tries in 10 matches.

“We finished third at Halifax last year, got into the play-offs and had what I would class as a really successful season for the club,” reflected the 25-year-old

“I formed some really good friendships at Halifax but I think when you do come up against them, there is that thing of wanting to get one up on your mate.

“I’d like to say that you do just treat it like any other game but because you’re mates, you always want to get one up on them.

“There’s that little bit of added incentive to get those bragging rights.”

Away from Harris' personal motivations, for York, victory would see them open up a six-point cushion above Halifax.

“The game is going to be massive,” insisted Harris. “I think they’re six wins on the bounce and we’re seven on the bounce. We’re sitting third and they’re in fourth.

“This is probably one of the most important games so far for us and them, in terms of where we’re standing in the league.

“It’ll be a tough challenge for both teams and a chance to see where we stand as well.

“Someone’s streak has got to end and hopefully it’s theirs not ours.”

The Knights head into the Halifax match with various injury issues, particularly at centre, with Jacob Ogden, Levi Edwards and Brad Ward all likely to miss out.

In the halves though, head coach James Ford has a plethora of options. Harris and Brendan O’Hagan have been the preferred starting half-back pairing for several weeks, with Jamie Ellis coming back into the fold off the bench in the last two matches.

While Ford has previously talked up Harris’ positional versatility, as a full-back, half-back or hooker, the former Hull KR and Hull FC stressed that he wants to nail down a spot at half.

Asked about a potential role at hooker, Harris bluntly replied: “I don’t want to play there. But I will play there if Fordy asks me to do so.

“I don’t mind it, I like running and I don’t mind getting stuck in there. If that’s what’s going to benefit the team, then that’s what I’m going to do.

“But I think I’ve been playing pretty good at half so I’m trying to keep and cement that spot.

“I’m just going to focus on the things that I can control rather than the things that I can’t.

“Wherever I am, I’ll put my best foot forward for the team and help out wherever I can.”

Harris added: “I don’t mind the competition for places, it keeps you on your toes.

“That competition keeps you having to play your best rugby and if don’t, you’re probably going to be either on the bench or not playing.

It’s a squad game at the end of the game, it doesn’t matter about us three, it’s about whoever is the best fit for the team."