Hooker Jack Lee signs a new deal with York City Knights
Last updated on .From the section Rugby League
York City Knights hooker Jack Lee has signed a new two-year contract with the club.
Lee was close to signing for Sheffield Eagles but a donation to the Knights' newly established squad builder fund allowed York to match the offer.
The 22-year-old will stay at York until the end of the 2013 season.
Coach Dave Woods told the club's website: "It's tremendous news. He is one of our most valuable players and I am delighted to have him on board."
Woods added: "I'm sure that his signing will encourage some of the other players to stay as he has a lot of respect from his team mates and the staff at the club.
"I would also like to say a big thank you to all who have donated to the squad builder fund so far.
"Without this support we would have lost Jack and it just goes to show how valuable this fund will be going forward."
Lee joined the club on loan from Featherstone Rovers last season and signed a permanent deal this year.
He said: "I am very happy to be staying at the club for another two years.
"I have enjoyed my time at York and I think that with the quality of players we have at the club we can improve further.
"Obviously I'm looking forward to the next two years but my immediate aim is to help keep the club in the Championship and we will all be doing our very best to achieve that".
