York Knights finished 6th in the 2022 Betfred Championship table, securing a place in the end of season Play-Offs.
The Knights won 18 of their 27 regular season fixtures but would fall to defeat at Leigh Leopards in the play-off semi-final.
Their biggest win of the 2022 season came in Round 27 when the Knights cruised to a 74-12 victory over relegated Workington Town.
Following the departure of the long-serving James Ford to Wakefield Trinity in October 2022, respected coach Andrew Henderson has moved into the hot seat for 2023.
The 43-year-old moves to the LNER Community Stadium following a six-year hiatus since his last Head Coach role, plus a successful spell as Keighley Cougars’ Head of Rugby.
Away from the dugout, the Knights have had a steady turnover during the off season, retaining a number of key players whilst also bringing in several quality additions.
It’s this level of stability which could allow the Knights to go further this time around.
Transfers In:
- Josh Daley (Mounties)
- Ukuma Ta’ai (Newcastle Thunder)
- Jesse Dee (Newcastle Thunder)
- Ronan Michael (Huddersfield Giants)
- Conor Fitzsimmons (Workington Town)
- Ben Barnard (Heworth)
- Jon Luke Kirby (Huddersfield Giants)
- James Cunningham (Toulouse Olympique)
Transfers Out:
- Toby Warren (Leeds Rhinos)
- Jacob Ogden (Unattached)
- Perry Whiteley (Dewsbury Rams)
- Ronan Dixon (Dewsbury Rams)
- Tom Inman (Halifax Panthers)
- Jamie Ellis (Unattached)
One to watch:
Matty Marsh will be one of the Knights’ key players in 2023. Capable of playing at full-back or in the halves, the 27-year-old is closing in on 100 York appearances and has scored 60 tries during his career to date.
If Marsh enjoys another consistent season, the Knights could well compete at the top end of the table throughout 2023.
York Knights open their 2023 Betfred Championship campaign against Widnes Vikings on Sunday 5 February at the LNER Community Stadium, kick-off is at 15:00.
