MATTY Marsh has signed a two-year contract with Sheffield Eagles following his departure from York Knights at the end of the 2023 season.

Head coach Andrew Henderson revealed that the Knights did offer Marsh a contract for 2024 and beyond, but that he felt that a better opportunity for him was elsewhere.

He added: "We do wish him the best of luck wherever he's going and we thank him for his efforts during his time at York because I know that he's very well thought of here and that he did a tremendous job for the club in his time here."

Marsh had been widely linked with a move to the Eagles, who finished fourth in the Championship last season, before losing their Play-off Eliminator to eventual promotion-winners London Broncos.

Owing to elbow, rib and wrist injuries, the popular full-back featured just 10 times for the Knights as they secured the unlikeliest of Play-off finishes in 2023, with Joe Brown and Myles Harrison proving able deputies in his absence.

York Knights boss explains departures as he admits full-back part of plans

Marsh first joined the Knights from Hull KR in 2018, going onto secure promotion from League One, and playing a large part in the side that earned a third-placed Championship finish and a trip to Wembley in the 2021 AB Sundecks 1895 Cup Final.

The 28-year-old continued to make a name for himself in 2022 as York earned their first ever Championship Play-off victory at Halifax Panthers.

A fan favourite during his time at the Knights, Marsh made his 100th appearance in the city's colours earlier this year, but had not featured since their 26-22 victory over Newcastle Thunder in mid-May after electing to have surgery on an existing wrist injury.

York Press: Marsh made his 100th Knights appearance earlier this year.Marsh made his 100th Knights appearance earlier this year. (Image: Craig Hawkhead)

“Matty is someone I’ve liked for a long time, he’s got an exciting style of play which fits our game to a tee,” said Eagles head coach Mark Aston on securing Marsh's services.

“When fighting fit, he is one of the best players in the division and we’re excited to see him in action in the Red and Gold.”