BIG Brett Waller becomes a rugby league centurion this weekend - and will do so with high praise from York City Knights head coach James Ford.

Man mountain Waller, 28, will make his 100th career appearance in the professional game on Sunday, six years after first bursting onto the scene with York as a rampaging but raw amateur front-rower.

The former Skirlaugh star played 27 games either side of injury in 2010 and 2011 before going on make 21 appearances for Gateshead Thunder in 2012 and 42 for Doncaster between 2013 and 2015 - despite missing all of 2014 because of a knee reconstruction.

He has played nine times back at the Knights this season.

"I played with him when he was last here and I've been really impressed with his transformation," said Ford of the man nicknamed the Wrecking Ball in his first stint at Huntington Stadium.

"He's got himself in fantastic physical condition. He looks after himself, does his own training and makes sure he runs it by the strength and conditioning coach.

"Since he's come back to the club he's been a real positive influence on a number of people."

Waller was a relatively late developer at this level having been 22 when he first turned pro. He would have had many more appearances behind him, too, but for injuries.

Said Ford: "Brett's had a couple of serious injuries and it's taken some real mental strength to come back and continue playing a game like rugby league. He's probably hit his best form with us as well.

"He's still young for a prop and there is improvement in him still. Hopefully we'll see him develop further - and get another 100 games out of him."

On Waller's present form, Ford added: "I thought last Sunday against Gloucestershire he was outstanding. There were a couple of things I spoke to our middle unit about in our preparation, and Brett did them in abundance."