York Knights turn Cody Hunter loan into two-year deal

York Knights have signed half-back Cody Hunter from Newcastle Thunder on a permanent two-year deal.

The agreement was confirmed on 16 September and turns Hunter's loan spell into a full stay, according to BBC Sport. He first joined York on loan in April.

Hunter is Australian and was 24 at the time of the report. He plays half-back, one of the key playmaking roles that steers the attack and kicks for field position in rugby league.

He started this campaign with Newcastle Thunder in the Championship, rugby league's second tier in Britain. He scored 10 tries in 11 appearances before heading to York. Tries count. That is a strike-rate of almost one per game.

Hunter had joined Newcastle from the Sunshine Coast Falcons in Australia. The Falcons play in the Queensland Cup, a strong state competition below the NRL, Australia's top flight.

York are led by head coach Mark Applegarth. The Knights finished 10th in their debut season in Super League, the top division of British rugby league. They closed the year with back-to-back wins.

For supporters, this means continuity. York know what they get. Hunter knows the calls, the shapes and the dressing room.