YORK City Knights chairman Roger Dixon lauded Mark Cain as "one of York's favourite sons" following the retired player's testimonial match.

Local boy Cain, who had been with York Wasps when that club folded, was the first player to publicly sign for the Knights when the new outfit started up, and Dixon said the recruitment was a major boost to the future of professional rugby league in the city.

Dixon said: "I knew Mark long before I ever had the pleasure of meeting him face to face. As soon as I met him I could tell he was genuinely determined to give his home-town club another chance, and the way he committed himself first in was a huge fillip to all of us who were engaged in trying to revive the game of rugby league in York."

Of the testimonial match, Dixon added: "It was a marvellous day for a marvellous occasion and I'm pleased so many people turned out to honour one of York's favourite sons - and thank God his team didn't beat us."