THREE notable new signings all made their bow for York City Knights yesterday with star man Jordan Tansey particularly prominent – but one player who won’t be donning the shirt as hoped is Michael Worrincy.

York’s biggest signing of the off-season, Tansey, the former Leeds, Sydney Roosters, Hull and Crusaders star, along with dual-registered Warrington duo Ben Hellewell and Brooke Broughton, came off the bench in the 26-18 friendly win over Leeds Rhinos Under-20s. Another former Super League player, winger Waine Pryce, also played his first game for York.

However, 24 hours earlier, negotiations with ex-Bradford forward Worrincy came to an abrupt halt as he instead signed for Championship rivals Leigh, who had come in with a much-improved offer.

Knights general manager Ian Wilson was not too dejected, and confirmed the cash set aside for Worrincy could still be used for squad strengthening if the right player became available.

He said: “It’s disappointing – he’s a good player and would have been a good signing – but we’re pretty strong in the back row so it’s not the end of the world.”

Tansey, meanwhile, entered the fray for the second half at half-back and set up two tries while generally sparking York into life as they came from 12-4 down at the interval.

Player-boss Chris Thorman, who fielded more senior players than in last week’s narrow loss to Keighley, was “relatively happy” with his team’s showing, and was especially pleased to see Tansey settle in so quickly, having debated whether to field him a week after his arrival or give him another seven days to get used to his new surroundings.

Thorman said: “I was disappointed with the first half. We brought quite a few more experienced players in and expected it to be a bit better than it was.

“We were flat and quiet. I didn’t think there was much atmosphere but at times like that you need to generate your own atmosphere and energy with enthusiasm more than anything.

“The pleasing thing was we got a reaction in the second half. Whether it was down to fitness and that we’re a bit ahead of them I don’t know but we were more enthusiastic and the attitude was much better.

“We gained momentum and we did stuff we wanted to do, through implementing what we’ve practised.

“It’s inevitably going to be rusty – it’s a pre-season game. But it’s nice to get a win – it’s a nice habit to get into.”

Thorman was delighted with two of his young guns, Ed Smith and Jack Aldous, and had words of praise for big Adam Howard, the former North East-based amateur who is pushing for first-team recognition.

He said: “Jordan Tansey coming on the field gave us more direction. He was a threat when he carried the ball. It fell into place for him quickly. It’s the mark of a good player. He was the same in training.

“He threatens the line, he challenges the line and demands things from the people around him to be the same.

“On top of that I thought Ed Smith was awesome when he came on. He’s maturing into a good young man and a very good rugby league player.

“Adam Howard also made an impact, but probably the man of the match was Jack Aldous.”

The former Hull academy hopeful, seen as a pocket-rocket prop, played at loose-forward. Thorman added: “The way the game is now you often get three front-row type players on the field. He played 60 to 65 minutes and he could have played the full game I’ve no doubt.

“His fitness levels are so good he’s more than capable of it. He was at loose-forward but then he was probably our best player last week at front row.”