Aussie scrum half Christopher Levy has been snapped up by the York City Knights as a replacement for Hull-bound Danny Brough.

The versatile half back can play at stand-off, loose forward or hooker and has a kicking game that it is hoped will rival the record-breaking Brough, who has moved to Hull FC, as the Knights aim to break into National League One.

The former Penrith Panther, who turns 27 on Hallowe'en, has clocked up 130 reserve grade matches and eight first grade games in the National Rugby League in six years at the club.

He also captained their Premier League team to the 2000 Grand Final.

Other clubs he has played for include Villefrance de Rouergue in the French Elite Competition and Wests Tigers, where he played two seasons in the Premier League.

Levy has spent the last season as player-coach of The Oaks Tigers and will be looking to call on all of his past experience in his new incarnation as a York City Knight.

Chief executive Steve Ferres said: "We have taken a viewpoint that we need a half back and what he gives us makes him a more than useful acquisition to the squad.

"He gives us an excellent kicking game, he's got a good record of scoring tries and he's an excellent defender.

"He is capable of directing the team around the field and is a very competent footballer.

"Our new coach, Mick Cook, is excited at the prospect of having Levy form a formidable partnership with Scott Rhodes and Jim Elston."

Brough's departure to Super League Hull FC has left a potential gap of 418 points that will need to come from somewhere in 2005, and it is hoped that Levy will go some way towards that with both his boot and try-scoring endeavours.

Off the field, Levy holds a bachelor of health science degree and is a maths and PE teacher indicating there is more to him than just his physical attributes with an inferred intelligence and ability to read the game.

Levy's arrival on the overseas quota, however, means the end for countryman Aaron Wood who arrived at the Knights at the beginning of the 2004 season.

The versatile centre made 15 appearances with four tries to his name, but found himself more and more on the fringe of the first team as the season advanced.

The Knights are to resume training in November.

Updated: 10:16 Thursday, October 21, 2004