YORK City Knights have pulled off another coup by signing Aussie strike centre Jake Butler-Fleming from Hull KR on a permanent deal.

Butler-Fleming, 25, played five times on loan for the Knights in last season’s Super 8s, scoring two tries, but his campaign ended prematurely as he required knee surgery.

However, he now rejoins the ambitious League One club on a one-year deal – having reportedly chosen York above a number of higher-tier clubs, with Leigh Centurions among those linked.

Butler-Fleming’s recruitment was announced at the Knights’ 2018 season launch night held at their York St John University sports centre training base in Haxby Road.

Head coach James Ford said: "I’m delighted to have him on board.

“Jake has bags of talent and came to our club on loan last year with a fantastic attitude. I’m excited to see how far he can go in this team now he’s with us on a permanent basis.

“He is still really well-regarded at Hull KR and other clubs at a higher level showed a keen interest, but he chose to come to York.

“As well as the training and culture we provide at the Knights, our supporters also make a huge difference. Their incredible backing is a big factor in attracting players to our club.”

Butler-Fleming, a former Penrith Panthers junior, joined Hull KR from Wentworthville Magpies 12 months ago and, while his introduction was hampered by a knee problem, he went on to play nine times, scoring five tries, to help Tim Sheens’ team to the Championship League Leaders’ Shield.

However, his place on the Robins’ overseas quota was taken by prop Mose Masoe ahead of their successful Middle 8s campaign, and he joined the Knights on loan. He was instrumental in the historic victory over Toronto Wolfpack at Bootham Crescent and also scored in the draw with Doncaster that sealed the team’s play-off place, only to then miss out on the semi-final after being told he needed surgery.

The 25-year-old is currently back home in Australia and will spend Christmas and New Year in Sydney before linking up with his new team-mates for stage two of pre-season in January.