York captain commits future to club for 2022

York captain Chris Clarkson has signed a new one-year deal with the club for the 2022 Championship campaign.

The 31-year-old back-rower joined the Knights ahead of the 2020 season. In addition, he enters his third season with 28 appearances in the amber and black under his belt.

Chris Clarkson wants to right some wrongs

Clarkson said: “It was always something that I wanted to do, to go round again, and to put right what went wrong in 2021.

“Last year we underachieved a little bit and it’s difficult and frustrating for players when we’re not succeeding. The coaching staff have adjusted some things for 2022 and, hopefully, our ambitions can come to fruition next year. I’m glad to be a part of that.

“It took a while for me to adapt to being the captain, to figure out what kind of leader I am, when to lead by actions, to say the right things and when to let other people lead, as well.

“Towards the middle of the year, I think I got that and it was a massive learning curve for me. It helped me both on and off the field. I feel like, with that foundation in place, it’ll be an easy transition into 2022 and I can hit the ground running.”

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York coach James Ford said: “Chris is a very important re-signing for us.

“He works tremendously hard in attack and defence and has epitomised our team first mentality by playing in numerous positions without a second’s doubt to how it would impact on him.

“I enjoyed working with Chris and his abilities and characteristics will be absolutely key next season.”

Finally, Clarkson has made 271 career appearances for Leeds, Widnes, Hull KR, Castleford and York. He won a Super League title and a World Club Challenge with the Rhinos.

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