York Knights 2026 season preview
2025 recap
The 2025 season will live long in the memory for York fans, as their team clinched the Championship League Leaders’ Shield and the 1895 Cup at Wembley.
They fell agonisingly short in the Grand Final, after being edged out 10-8 by Toulouse, but they were one of three sides to be granted a Super League spot for 2026, alongside their conquerors and Bradford.
A 20-game winning run in all competitions was an astonishing feat at any level, and with crowds continuing to grow at the LNER Community Stadium, the future looks bright for the Knights.
2025 position: 1st (Runners-up in Championship Grand Final)
Key signings
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), Will Roberts (St Helens), Xavier Va’a (Sydney Roosters)
Key departures
Connor Bailey (Hull FC), Joe Brown (Sheffield Eagles), Jacob Gannon (TBC), James Farrar (TBC), Jack Potter (TBC), Ukuma Ta’ai (Newcastle Thunder), Conor Fitzsimmons (Sheffield Eagles), Bailey Antrobus (Newcastle Thunder), Sam Cook (Newcastle Thunder), Joe Law (Newcastle Thunder), Jude Ferreira (Newcastle Thunder), Harvey Reynolds (Newcastle Thunder), Myles Harrison (Newcastle Thunder), Brenden Santi (Newcastle Thunder), Jack Brown (Newcastle Thunder)
Players to watch
Paul Vaughan was one of York’s more eye-catching signings when his arrival from Warrington was announced before their Super League place had been confirmed. The veteran prop will be one of the team’s leaders this year, having played more than 200 NRL games, as well as turning out for New South Wales and Australia.
At 23-years-old, Jon Bennison should still have his best days ahead of him, and he’ll be looking to prove a point to former side, St. Helens. The fullback/winger came through the Saints academy and made over 70 appearances for the first team, including a Grand Final try-scoring display in 2022, before being let go at the end of 2025.
Young gun
I’m expecting big things from new arrival, Xavier Va’a. There was plenty of hype around him as a youngster coming through at the Sydney Roosters, but he only went on to make one appearance in first grade, where he scored a try after just 49 seconds. At just 22, he’s got time on his side to play his way back to the NRL, and at 6ft 5 ins and almost 18 stone, he’ll be a menacing presence for Super League defences in 2026.
Our prediction – 11th
Of the three new teams in Super League, York are my tip to do the best. That being said, I can’t see them troubling the play-off spots, but I do fancy them to avoid the wooden spoon.
