YORK City Knights have retained winger Joe Brown on a new one-year deal.

Brown has enjoyed a successful debut year with York following his off-season move from Betfred Championship rivals Bradford Bulls.

The 23-year-old has made 28 appearances this season, missing just two matches, as the Knights returned to the Championship's top six and beat Halifax Panthers 26-24 on Sunday to win their first ever second-tier play-off match.

Brown has scored 17 tries this year, second only to half-back Liam Harris' 18.

York head coach James Ford said: "I'm really pleased to be able to retain one of our stronger performers this season in Joe.

"I think he has had some very good moments for us this season, as well as some strong games.

"His work-rate in backfield has been strong all season as well as being good under kick pressure.

"He's also finished off some great tries for us at pivotal moments during this season.

"Joe is still a young man in his early 20s and we feel that, as we continue to challenge him to improve areas of his game, Browny will rise to that challenge and have a better 2023 for us."

Brown added: “I’m really happy to be staying. I’ve really enjoyed this season and I feel that my game has really kicked on.

“I’m looking forward to more of the same next year.

“My relationship with Fordy is really good and he’s really brought my game on throughout the season.

"He’s been into me every week to help me get better at stuff and I can only see more progression and development as we work more together."

Brown's retention, which was secured thanks to the help of the club's Squad Builder Fund, brings York up to 13 confirmed players in their squad for 2023.

The Knights have also secured the services of Matty Marsh, James Glover, Jacob Ogden, Will Jubb, Chris Clarkson, Pauli Pauli, Jordan Thompson, Myles Harrison, AJ Towse, Brad Ward, Olly Butterworth and Ata Hingano for next season.

Two more retentions are expected to be announced this week, with one revealed tomorrow and another confirmed on Friday.