YORK City Knights have succeeded in a sensational move to bring fans' favourite Simon Friend back to Huntington Stadium, the Evening Press can reveal.

The 27-year-old Aussie is due to return to York in the middle of next month and should be back in the Knights team in time for the big return Northern Rail Cup fixture against Castleford Tigers at Huntington Stadium on March 20.

The Knights' move to bring the back-row ace back to his "second home" had been shrouded in secrecy, though the Press revealed last week that the club were on the verge of a big coup.

Friend had returned Down Under at the end of the 2004 campaign and, as reported by the Press last month, signed for Jim Beam Cup club Erina Eagles.

However, he didn't rule out a return to England and indeed had a clause written into his contract stating that if an English or an NRL club came a-calling then he was free to leave.

It is thought he had been chased by a number of LHF Healthplan National League One clubs, not least promoted Barrow Raiders, who admitted defeat earlier this month in their bid to take him to Craven Park. NL1 favourites Castleford were also believed to be interested, while Friend had reportedly been eyed up by Engage Super League club Salford City Reds last season.

However, he gave a clue as to his potential return to Huntington Stadium when he spoke to the Press last month. He said then: "I am missing York and the people there... We really had a great time in York and hopefully one day soon I will be able to come back and say g'day to everyone again."

He added: "It was awesome to be backed by such a vocal and supportive bunch of people. "

Friend - the only player to win two Player of the Month awards last year as voted for by Evening Press readers - has now agreed terms with the Knights for this season, becoming the second Aussie at Huntington Stadium this term after captain Chris Levy. Friend, though, does not count on the overseas quota as his mother is English. He will be sponsored this season by the Knights Supporters' Club.

Knights head coach Mick Cook said: "I don't know Simon Friend as a person or as a player because he left before I actually came to York.

"But from what I have seen on tapes, he is a very hard working and extremely fit player.

"He's going to be a revelation apparently, like he was last year.

"He will stiff up the back row for us and gives us a few more options back there."

Influential stand-off Scott Rhodes is back in full contact training with a view to playing some part in Sunday's match at Featherstone.

Darren Callaghan (knee) is expected to be fine, Mark Cain (back) is a question mark despite showing some progress, but Craig Forsyth (sternum and calf) is still unlikely to feature.

Updated: 09:46 Wednesday, February 23, 2005