18 Feb 2026

Getting to know: York RLFC Knights

AMT Headingley Stadium hosts its first match of the 2026 Betfred Super League as shock round one winners York RLFC Knights travel to take on Leeds Rhinos this Friday, kick off 8pm.

Here's a look closer look at the Knights:

Key Playmakers

Sam Wood

Club Apps: 2 | Club Tries: 2

Two tries on his first Super League appearance was quite the introduction by England international Sam Wood to the Knights crowd as he guided the club to a debut Super League win.

Facing off against his former club Hull KR, Wood's first half score and try following the sin binning of Mikey Lewis proved pivotal in getting York a win on opening weekend. Wood was also one of the leading Knights players in carries, metres and tackle breaks too as he settles into life in yellow and black.

Xavier Va'a

Club Apps: 2

A player from each of the newly promoted Super League sides occupy the top three spots for tackle breaks after round one, including York's Xavier Va'a who broke nine tackles on his Super League bow.

A product of Sydney's junior programme, Va'a found his footing despite the wet conditions at the LNER Community Stadium, plus he was one of the side's leading post-contact metre makers in the 34 minutes he featured in.

Ata Hingano

Club Apps: 72 | Club Tries: 19

Last week's drop goal saviour Hingano reintroduced himself to the Super League competition in style after a shaky first impression whilst with Salford.

From the Red Devils to York, via half a year at Leigh, Hingano seems to have found a home at the Knights after being part of Tonga's pioneering 2017 World Cup squad that reached the semi finals. The 28-year old has a full resume of experience, back to coming through the Warriors' ranks in the NRL as well as spending time at Canberra. He partners up well with Liam Harris and the duo were crucial in guiding the club to victory last time out.

Oli Field

Club Apps: 86 | Club Tries: 29

Prior to returning to his former club this Friday, Field put in an excellent show against a more experienced and hardened Robins attack.

The Wetherby Bulldogs junior made the most tackles on the field out of any Knights player (39), continuing to show why Applegarth put so much faith in the youngster during the club's promotion season in 2025. He was one of four York players to feature in all 32 games as the club finished top of the table and lifted the 1895 Cup.