York Knights have officially locked in their 2026 squad numbers as the club prepares for its first-ever season in Super League — a historic milestone almost a decade in the making.
The newly promoted side, coached by Mark Applegarth, has confirmed a roster blending hardened experience, former NRL and Super League talent, and a wave of hungry players aiming to test themselves at the highest level.
Big names take key numbers
New signing Lalotoa Mata’afa will wear the iconic No.1 jersey, while former Featherstone and Leigh winger Ben Jones-Bishop takes the No.2 shirt in what could be his final professional season.
Star fullback/half Liam Harris, who played a pivotal role in York’s promotion and 2025 breakout, retains the No.7 playmaking jersey, partnered by Jack Martin at six.
Club captain Paul McShane, one of the Knights’ most influential recruits, takes No.9, with bulldozing prop Paul Vaughan named in the No.10 shirt — signalling York’s desire to mix grit with high-end quality up front.
Youth meets seasoned leadership
York’s roster includes several players set to make their Super League debut, including:
- Jordan Lipp (3)
- Mafoa’aeata Hingano (6)
- Denive Balmforth (14)
- Xavier Va’a (15)
- Justin Sangare (16)
- Kieran Hudson (17)
- Nikau Williams (26)
- Matt Foster (27)
Meanwhile, experienced campaigners Josh Griffin (11), Danny Richardson (19) and Oli Field (20) give York spine stability in the club’s first year at the top level.
Depth across the roster
A packed forward unit — featuring Justin Sangare, Mitch Clark, Matty Foster, Ryan Jackson and Will Roberts — reflects York’s recognition that survival in Super League will require rotation and resilience.
The club’s “18th number” has been officially allocated to the fans, acknowledging the role York supporters played during the club’s climb from the Championship.
Full Squad List
1. Lalotoa Mata’afa, 2. Ben Jones-Bishop, 3. Jordan Lipp, 4. Sam Wood, 5. Scott Galeano, 6. Mafoa’aeata 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, 18. FANS, 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, 40. Taylor Pemberton, 41. Mitch Clark
A club ready to compete
York have entered 2026 with the momentum of a side that believes it belongs in the top flight. The pre-season messaging has been simple: they’re not here to make up the numbers.
With leadership from McShane and Vaughan, the star potential of Harris and Lipp, and a committed fan base ready to turn the LNER Community Stadium into a fortress, York Knights now face the biggest challenge in their modern history — staying up in Super League.
