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2026 Season Preview: York Knights

7 hrs

2025 was a historic year for York Knights.

A stellar season in the Betfred Championship saw the Knights collect two pieces of silverware, as well as reach their first ever Betfred Championship Grand Final in the modern era.

They may have fallen at the final hurdle, with Toulouse Olympique taking the crown on the final day, but it was a campaign both on and off the field that Mark Applegarth’s men should be proud of, and their efforts have been rewarded with Super League status off the back of it.

Newcomers York have been building ever since and are ready to revel in the challenge. There have been a host of incomings and outgoings as the Knights look to make an impact in their first ever Super League spell, with their squad showcasing a good balance of youth and experience.

They should take this step up in their stride, and with Applegarth in charge, York have someone who is well equipped for the task, having coached with adversity at Wakefield Trinity in 2023.

By no means will it be easy, especially against the top sides week in, week out. Nevertheless, there are positive and promising times ahead for this North Yorkshire based club, and they should look embrace the year in front of them and give things a good crack, whilst taking in plenty of key learnings along the way.

Building day by day ?#RiseUp | #WeAreYork | #Together pic.twitter.com/TvQbzObUj4
— York RLFC Knights (@YorkRLFC) December 20, 2025

Ins & Outs:

Ins: Paul Vaughan (Warrington), Josh Griffin (Wakefield), Jordan Lipp (Norths Devils), Sam Wood (Castleford), Justin Sangare (Salford Red Devils), Jon Bennison (St Helens), Jack Smith (Leeds), Danny Richardson (Hull KR), Matty Foster (Oldham), Ryan Jackson (Central Queensland Capras), Denive Balmforth (Hull FC – season-long loan), John Sagaga (Penrith Panthers), Nikau Williams, Xavier Va'a (Sydney Roosters)

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York Knights have signed, Xavier Va’a until the end of 2027, thanks to support from Squad Builder!

The 22 year-old scored on his NRL debut for the Roosters in 2025, in the win over Cronulla Sharks. He holds 44 appearances in the New South Wales… pic.twitter.com/K5TLvQa6EZ
— York RLFC Knights (@YorkRLFC) January 9, 2026

Outs: Connor Bailey, Joe Brown, Jacob Gannon, James Farrar, Jack Potter, Ukuma Ta’ai, Conor Fitzsimmons, Joe Law

Who are the ones to watch?

The York spine is built around their standout skipper Liam Harris and what he can do on his day. Harris was instrumental to the Knights’ success last season, ending 2025 as the league’s top points scorer and he formed a dangerous partnership with Ata Hingano.

Known for his strong kicking game and eye for a gap, Harris will look to masterfully pull the strings in the halves once more and will rejoice in another chance of playing Super League, having already had an extremely brief taste with Hull FC in 2018.

Then, it’s the experienced Super League players who will be key to the Knights competing in 2026.

Paul McShane has over 300 Super League appearances under his belt. It’s a complete U-turn for the former Castleford hooker, who initially retired at the end of 2024, before deciding to play on a part-time basis at York. Little did he know he’d be back in Super League one season later, but he’s an individual who knows all the tricks of the trade in top flight rugby league.

Powerhouse Paul Vaughan bolsters the Knights’ pack options for sure, having operated as a formidable front rower at Warrington Wolves for the past three seasons. Without a doubt, Vaughan should become a very important leader in the middle of field.

Likewise, veteran Josh Griffin brings a wealth of knowledge and experience and should certainly help to raise the standard at York. Griffin was in superb form at Wakefield Trinity last year and reunites with head coach Applegarth - who signed him from Hull FC to Wakefield back in 2023.

Finally, watch out for young gun Denive Balmforth who is the fierest of characters. He joins on a season-long loan from the Black & Whites as part of his ongoing development, and has continued to grow in confidence in that hooker position.

If York can get on the front foot, then Balmforth is bound to cause a real load of problems for his opposition on the pitch.

Who is the next generation?

Young centre Oli Field flourished with the Knights in the 2025 Championship competition, scoring 14 tries in 32 appearances and created a wonderful connection with Scott Galeano on the left edge.

He will wear the number 20 shirt for 2026, but if he keeps on improving, we should look forward to seeing the best version of Field as he looks to break into York’s Super League side.

Bring on 2026 ?

? https://t.co/jL2iGoolEi #RiseUp | #WeAreYork | #Together pic.twitter.com/xTOqJRh0vE
— York RLFC Knights (@YorkRLFC) October 31, 2025

What are the defining dates?

Their opening round fixture with the champions Hull KR is on for a sell out and should be a night to remember.

The importance of playing well at home will be key, so turning the LNER Community Stadium into a fortress should be one of their highest priorities.

From March to May, this York team are at home on five out of seven occasions, therefore it is crucial that they capitalise here, for these results could determine how the rest of their season pans out...

Almost gone.

Less than 1500 tickets remain for our @SuperLeague Season Opener against @hullkrofficial at the LNER Community Stadium.

Demand is high, get your tickets now ??https://t.co/qAXRJcosSR pic.twitter.com/oyjgZe4LYX
— York RLFC Knights (@YorkRLFC) January 12, 2026

What is the 2026 squad list?

1. Toa Mata’afa, 2. Ben Jones-Bishop, 3. Jordan Lipp, 4. Sam Wood, 5. Scott Galeano, 6. Ata Hingano, 7. Liam Harris, 8. Jack Martin, 9. Paul McShane, 10. Paul Vaughan, 11. Josh Griffin, 12. Jesse Dee, 13. Jordan Thompson, 14. Denive Balmforth, 15. Xavier Va’a, 16. Justin Sangare, 17. Kieran Hudson, 19. Danny Richardson, 20. Oli Field, 21. Kieran Buchanan, 22. John Sagaga, 23. Jon Bennison, 24. Will Dagger, 25. Jack Smith, 26. Nikau Williams, 27. Matty Foster, 28. Ryan Jackson, 38. Will Roberts, 40. Taylor Pemberton, 41. Mitch Clark