YORK City Knights could make a move for Sheffield’s brainbox hooker Pat Smith at the end of the season – although his chances of turning out for his home-town club could depend on academic achievements.

The player, who hails from Dringhouses and is big brother to Knights second-row Ed, has intimated he would be happy to stay in South Yorkshire in 2013 but he has been in and out of the Eagles team and his contract is up at the end of this season.

He is also in the last year of a maths degree at Hallam University and, while a good pass mark may see him continue in academia by studying for a Masters, whereby it would be logical to stay in Sheffield if a place is forthcoming, the Knights have not ruled out an approach to bring him back to York, at least as a player.

General manager Ian Wilson said: “He’s under contract with Sheffield and we can’t talk to players under contract until September 1. But we’re not ruling anything in or out at this stage.”

The Ireland international was a surprise inclusion at stand-off for the Eagles’ victory over the Knights at Don Valley last week, taking the place of top points-scorer Simon Brown. And, while he has not been a regular for coach Mark Aston, he is keen to prove his worth.

“It was a bit of a surprise because Simon and Dom Brambani have been together (at half-back) all season and I was happy to get the chance,” said the 22-year-old, who normally plays at hooker for both the Eagles and Ireland, where his coach is also Aston.

“I was quite happy with my performance but there were a few areas I need to improve on, but I haven’t played half-back at that level for a while so I was happy with myself.”

Smith added: “I want to play at Swinton (on Sunday) and keep building my performance. I definitely prefer playing at hooker but being able to play in two positions helps me.

“The last three games I’ve played for Mark now – at Carcassone (in the Anglo-French competition), for Ireland and against York – I think I have put myself a bit more in the shop window for him.”

Aston – possibly contemplating whether to offer Smith a new deal – has been impressed by his recent exploits.

“Pat looked comfortable,” he said of his performance against York.

“There are still things he has to work hard on in his game. Pat’s concerned that he isn’t a half-back but a hooker. Well, I tell him it’s only a number – play how you want to play and express yourself. He did a lot of good stuff.”

A new contract at Sheffield could depend on whether the Eagles permanently sign James Davey, their dual-registered Wakefield hooker.

But Aston added: “The last few weeks the penny seems to have dropped with Pat and he’s getting a little bit more confidence.

“He’s starting to do the little things that we want. I took him to France and he was very good against Carcassone, and he played for Ireland and was great.”