YORK City Knights have pulled off a major coup with the signing of Kriss Brining - bringing the former fan favourite back to Bootham Crescent.

Scarborough-born Brining, 25, who came through the ranks at York, has spent the past two seasons in Super League with Salford Red Devils, but spent the last year in the treatment room after developing a neck problem.

He was back in full training with Salford before his release from the Greater Manchester outfit, though, and passed a medical before terms were agreed with the club that launched his career.

The Press had revealed just over a week ago that negotiations were at an advanced stage.

The signing was announced a few hours before the Knights take on Dewsbury Rams at Bootham Crescent (6pm), in their last pre-season friendly before their Betfred Championship campaign begins with a big home match against Toronto Wolfpack on February 3.

It had been reported two months ago that the hooker - the  2016 Press Player of the Year - was more likely to stay in the full-time arena following his release by Salford.

However, the Knights had stayed very much in touch with their former talisman, and he now rejoins the League One champions on a one-year deal looking to have another big impact.

Brining became the Knights' youngest-ever player when making his debut in 2011 aged 17 years 148 days.

He scored 45 tries in 45 appearances in his last two seasons with the club, taking his total up to 54 from 86 overall, before joining Salford.

He also had an impressive first campaign in Super League in 2017, scoring five tries in 24 appearances, before injury sidelined him for all of 2018.