NEW signing Scott Rhodes said he was delighted to be 'Knighted' after helping York beat Sheffield Eagles 32-18 in the Arriva Trains Cup yesterday.

The victory saw the Knights complete their first ATC double, having also won at the Don Valley Stadium earlier this month, and Rhodes - a former Sheffield star, who last week signed from Dewsbury - played a full part.

The York-born 23-year-old buzzed at scrum-half and scored a scintillating solo try.

"I was happy with my performance, although it came in stages," said the former Heworth ARLC youngster.

"I kept coming in but going out of the game and I would have liked to have taken what I did in the first half into the second and do a bit more. Generally it went well, but there is always room for improvement."

Rhodes, who joined Dewsbury from Sheffield in the close season, said work commitments had led to his move from Ram Stadium. He also revealed a clause in the transfer deal means he cannot play against the Rams in next week's fixture.

"I was finding it difficult to get to training and it was showing in my performances," he said.

"I knew Steve Ferres (Knights chief executive) had wanted me, and I know most of the lads anyway, and I'm glad I'm here.

"They're a great bunch of lads, with a great team spirit. There are a lot of good pros here, with the likes of Paul Broadbent and Richie Hayes. They talk to you all the time.

"I thought we were outstanding in the first half, though the start of the second let us down. I'm sure we can get that right and take it into the next game."

He added: "I'm very disappointed I won't be able to play next week, as you want to play in every game, but that was part of the deal."

As for his former team-mates at Sheffield, he added: "I know all the lads and there was a bit of winding-up in the game, but we were still mates afterwards and it was good to see them."

Player-coach Broadbent had praise for Rhodes, on loan stand-off Adam Thaler and substitute prop Andy Burland, who all made their debuts for the Knights.

"The three new guys have only had two training sessions but fitted in well.

"The half-backs gave us a bit more movement. I was in no way disappointed with Jonny Firth (who played at stand-off before suffering injury last week) but I thought the new guys did a very competent job.

"I thought Trevor Krause (who moved from scrum-half to hooker) was outstanding, and a lot of the creative play came from around the ruck, through himself and Scott Rhodes."

Broadbent admitted there were mistakes but said he was happy with the display.

"I thought the guys bounced back from last week's defeat at Hull KR really well," he said.

"There were inconsistencies at times and things that need fine-tuning, but there were many positive signs."

Updated: 10:56 Monday, March 31, 2003