York City Knights are delighted to confirm that Joe Porter has signed a new one-year deal with the club for 2021 thanks to Squadbuilder.
Porter initially caught the eye of head coach James Ford in the ‘Yorigin’ charity game in winter 2016 and, after the York Acorn amateur joined the Knights, he went onto make seventeen appearances for the club in 2017.
The following season, 27-year-old Porter made twenty-eight appearances, scoring seven tries, as the Knights won the Betfred League One title. The forward was one of the stand-out performers in the Challenge Cup Round Five tie against Catalans Dragons at Bootham Crescent in April 2018 as he scored two tries in a showing which earned the Knights many plaudits.
2019 saw Porter make eighteen appearances for the team, crossing for two tries as he helped the team to a third-place finish in the league and the Betfred Championship Play-Offs in our first season back in the second tier.
Of Porter’s re-signing, head coach James Ford said: “I’m pleased Joe is staying with us, it’s great to have some local lads in the side – especially ones with the drive and tenacity Joe has. I’m very confident that a faster game will really suit Joe’s speed, power and ability to disrupt our opponents’ markers.
“He could be a real handful for sides! Joe has a couple of areas he needs to reinforce with his extras to give him the best possible chances of consistently nailing a spot in our 17.”
Porter spoke of his pride at signing a new deal which will see him continue to represent his hometown club. “I’m really pleased that I’ve been given a chance to continue the journey this club is on at the minute.”
“Playing for my hometown team really means a lot to me. There’s no better feeling than getting to pull on that shirt on a Sunday and play in front of the home crowd.”
Chairman Jon Flatman paid tribute to the 2020 members who donated their money back to the club and the efforts of Squadbuilder, both of which enable the club to build for 2021.
“We wouldn’t be able to retain players like Joe without the generosity of our 2020 Knights Patrons and the continued hard work of Squadbuilder.
“Because of them, we are able to continue building a strong squad for 2021 and we hope to be able to repay their faith with a strong showing next season.”
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