Mark Applegarth's ambitious York Knights plans gather pace with Max Jowitt signing

The Knights have endured a challenging introduction to the top flight but are looking to build for a brighter future.

Applegarth is determined to avoid another scrap at the bottom next season.

"I think this year has served its purpose," said the York boss, whose side face a battle to avoid the wooden spoon heading into their penultimate game against Toulouse Olympique. "But at the same time, we don't just want to be in this position next year.

"We want to make sure we're achieving our own goals. No team should want to be in this league just to make up the numbers – and we're definitely not in that category.

"We want to be competing for trophies. We understand the journey you've got to go through to do that and want players on board who want to join us on that journey and share those values.

"We're looking for players who are winners and want to compete at the right end of the table."

Jowitt has signed a two-year deal with the Knights after calling time on his long stay at Wakefield.

The 29-year-old made his Super League debut in 2014, the first of 188 appearances for his hometown club.

Applegarth, who worked with Jowitt during his time at Belle Vue, is excited about his potential impact.

"I'm really glad we've got Max joining us," said Applegarth.

"He's a proven Super League player with nearly 200 games under his belt and will add a different dimension to us in attack. He's one of the best passers of the ball in the league in that second phase of attack.

"He's a lovely person as well. I'm really looking forward to working with him again. He's a player I know well and I think he'll help push us as a team onto that next level."

Jowitt is convinced he is joining a club on the up.

He said: "I’m buzzing for the opportunity to have a fresh start at a club like York, especially with the direction that the club is heading in."