YORK City Knights have turned to the future by recruiting Heworth ARLC's international youngster Liam Watling - beating rival clubs to his signature.

Impressive trialist James Ward has also now put pen to paper, while the Knights' squad has been boosted further by the return following a three-month drugs ban of Ireland international prop David Bates.

Furthermore, winger Rob Kama, York RUFC's leading try-scorer this season, is also back in training at Huntington Stadium now that the rugby union season is over.

Knights coach Mick Cook reckoned youngsters Watling and Ward both have excellent futures in the game, while he said the return of Bates was like another new signing and added that Kama, who was already registered to the club after playing in 2003 and 2004, could also play a part in their promotion tilt.

Prop Watling, 17, is currently away with the Great Britain Amateur Under-18s side touring France, but the Press can reveal he signed amateur forms at Huntington Stadium before leaving. It is thought Super League side Hull were among other clubs on his tail.

Said Cook: "He's very skilful and trains hard. He has a lot of things you would not expect of a player so young. He does not look out of place training with us, apart from his size, and he will be a very good player down the track."

Second-row Ward has already played six times for the Knights but is currently laid low by a bad knee infection. Cook said: "James is a very fit young bloke. He's worked hard with us and we like his attitude. He's obviously got something. He carries the ball really well and is quite a tough defender."

Of Bates - whom Cook likened Watling to -- the Knights chief said: "He's trained throughout his suspension, apart from two-and-a-half weeks away on honeymoon, and he's kept himself in good shape.

"His attitude has been good and he now gives us a few more options up front. He's a gifted footballer and creates opportunities for others in addition to his own game.

"He's not been available for a few months so it's a bit like a good new signing for us."

Fijian flyer Kama became a fans' favourite in his first stint at the club in 2003 but a couple of indifferent displays last year saw him struggle to keep his place in the team and he returned to rugby union.

Cook said: "He looks in good shape. He's a contracted player and he will be looking at maybe getting a place in the team again."

He added: "Competition for places is quite strong at the moment and these signings mean the squad is getting stronger."

Updated: 10:54 Thursday, April 28, 2005