YORK City Knights have pulled off a huge coup with the signing of Graeme Horne from Hull KR.

The 32-year-old forward has enjoyed a long Super League career, racking up over 250 top-flight appearances with Hull FC, Huddersfield Giants and Hull KR. He has signed a one-year deal at Bootham Crescent where he will link up with former Rovers team-mate Ben Cockayne.

The vastly-experienced Horne will also take on an assistant coaching role, filling the void left by retired half back Jonny Presley.

A broken thumb restricted vice-captain Horne to just seven appearances in Rovers’ promotion-winning squad in 2017 – plus two games on dual registration for the Knights.

Head coach James Ford said: “I’m delighted to get a player with the ability and experience of Graeme. He’s a proven Super League player, a good clubman and a good person to have around the group.

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“Replacing Johnny (Presley) was important and Graeme will bring an experienced alternative viewpoint in terms of coaching – he’s someone I’m really looking forward to working with.

“He’s played a lot of rugby throughout his career and he’s been involved in big matches, he’s also previously captained his former clubs on multiple occasions. I’m confident he’ll improve our standards on and off the field.

“Being able to attract players of the calibre of Graeme and Ben (Cockayne) shows the measure of the quality of the environment here – the coaching, the facilities and what we’re trying to achieve.”

Commenting on the move, Horne said: “I’m really pleased to have signed for York. The facilities here are absolutely fantastic, and James and & Jon (Flatman) really sold the well respected culture and environment of the club to me.

“They’re putting together a squad capable of challenging for promotion in a very competitive league and I’m excited to be a part of that. The opportunity for me to start to cut my teeth in coaching under a head coach like James Ford really excites me also.

“I played and watched a few Knights games last season and the fans were absolutely fantastic. I’m really looking forward to running out in front of them at Bootham Crescent next year – especially in that huge opening game against former Super League champions Bradford Bulls on the opening day!”