DAVE PETERSEN will start tomorrow's pre-season fixture against Hunslet Club Parkside as a fully-fledged York City Knights player.

The 26-year-old former Hull KR starlet, having impressed on trial over the winter, has now agreed terms for York's 2019 Betfred Championship campaign and will be in contention for a role in the opening league match at home to title favourites Toronto Wolfpack on February 3.

Petersen stood out as a substitute in the Boxing Day friendly at Bradford Bulls, with a hard-working effort initially at loose-forward and then at hooker. He is likely to be in the starting 13 tomorrow, as the Knights' pre-season preparations step up a level with this Yorkshire Cup first round game at Tetley's Stadium in Dewsbury (1pm).

Head coach James Ford said: "We’ve all been impressed with Dave’s attitude towards all aspects of our preparation.

"On Boxing Day he demonstrated a very good work ethic, versatility to play in two key positions and a good level of skill.

"As Dave spends more time with us I’m sure his approach will see him develop further and make a positive impact on our performances."

Asked if Petersen's efforts in training or his performance against Bradford had prompted the contract offer, Ford said: "It's a combination of both.

"He's trained to a very good level while he's been at the club, and he played with lots of desire, energy and determination against Bradford, both at loose-forward and hooker.

"He's only going to get better as he spends more time with us and builds stronger combinations."

Hull-born Petersen started his career at Hull KR, the former Robins Academy captain playing four Super League games and also having a stint at Workington Town on a dual-registration basis.

He then played for two years in Australia after leaving Hull KR to join Queensland-based Mackay Cutters.

He signed for Bradford in 2015 but did not play a game for the Bulls, an ankle injury having sidelined him for the bulk of his time at Odsal. He had a dual-reg stint in League One with Oxford when fit and then made a permanent switch to Championship side Sheffield Eagles.

In 2016 he played for Batley Bulldogs in the Championship and Challenge Cup, before enjoying a try-laden spell in the USA with Boston 13s.

Asked what he expected Petersen to bring to York's group, Ford said: "His mentality really fits in well with us.

"He never gives in, he always puts the team first and defensively he's robust, and those things go a long way with me and this club.

"Everybody can see and appreciates his work rate.

"He gives us cover in a couple of positions and gives me another player I can trust to give everything he's got every time he goes out onto the field."

On the prospects of Petersen nailing down a starting role, Ford said: "That remains to be seen.

"I have belief in Dave and he's got belief in himself. He's certainly capable of being in the 13 in round one.

"But at the same time I have belief in other players.

"It's up to the players to work hard and make those shirts their own."

He added: "Whether certain players are in the side for round one or not, everyone at the club will play an important part in the season.

"It's a 20-plus-man competition, if not 30-man.

"The side that is successful will need 20 to 30 players pulling together through the course of the season, not just a talented 17."