2026 York Knights Departing Players

York Knights can confirm the players who will depart the club following the conclusion of the 2026 Betfred Super League season.

The club would like to place on record its sincere gratitude to all of our departing players for their hard work, commitment and contribution during their time at the club. We wish each of them, and their families, every success for the future.

Josh Griffin #1962

As previously confirmed, Josh Griffin has retired from professional rugby league following an outstanding 18-year career.

Griffin made 11 appearances for the Knights after joining the club from Wakefield Trinity ahead of the 2026 season, scoring one try.

Having previously represented Huddersfield Giants, Castleford Tigers, Batley Bulldogs, Salford Red Devils and Hull FC, Griffin made the decision to bring his playing career to an end after suffering a pectoral muscle injury against Toulouse Olympique in April.

Paul Vaughan #1959

Paul Vaughan also announced his retirement from the professional game following the 2026 season.

The experienced forward made 25 appearances for the Knights during his first and only season at the club, scoring seven tries.

The 35 year-old enjoyed an incredible 14 year professional career, representing Canberra Raiders, St George Illawarra Dragons, Canterbury Bulldogs, Warrington Wolves and York Knights. He also earned international honours with Italy and Australia, as well as representing New South Wales in the State of Origin.

Vaughan will now return home to Australia to be with his family.

Denive Balmforth #1956

Denive Balmforth will return to his parent club, Hull FC, following the completion of his loan spell with the Knights.

The hooker spent the 2026 season with York and made a valuable contribution to the squad throughout the campaign, making 30 appearances and scoring seven tries.

We would like to thank Denive for his time with the Knights and wish him every success on his return to Hull FC.

Danny Richardson #1964

Danny Richardson joined the Knights on loan from Hull KR towards the back end of the 2025 Championship season before making his move permanent ahead of the 2026 Betfred Super League campaign.

The half-back made three appearances for York, most notably kicking the winning drop goal against Hull FC in Round 3.

Richardson joined Widnes Vikings on loan in June for the remainder of the season and will now depart York on a permanent basis.

Will Dagger #1851

Will Dagger will depart the Knights after three seasons with the club.

Dagger made 29 appearances in the black and amber after joining York on a permanent deal in 2024, having previously made four appearances for the Knights on dual registration from Hull KR in 2018, the year York were crowned Betfred League 1 champions.

Dagger played a role in the Knights' success during the 2025 Championship season and the club's promotion to the Betfred Super League.

Mafoa'aeata Hingano #1918

Ata Hingano leaves the Knights following an unforgettable five seasons with the club.

After joining York at the end of the 2022 season, Hingano went on to make 96 appearances for the Knights, scoring 21 tries, 14 goals, and kicking the winning drop goal against Hull KR in the Knights’ inaugural Betfred Super League game.

In 2024, Hingano was named the Graham Steadman Player of the Year, Knights' Back of the Year and Knights' Players' Player of the Year.

He was also instrumental in the Knights' success during the 2025 Championship season and the club's promotion to the Betfred Super League.

The club would like to express its deepest appreciation to Ata for his loyalty, commitment and contribution over the past five seasons. He leaves York having played a significant role in the club's journey back to the top flight and will be greatly missed by his teammates, staff and supporters.

York RLFC would once again like to thank Josh Griffin, Paul Vaughan, Denive Balmforth, Danny Richardson, Will Dagger and Ata Hingano for their time and dedication to the Knights.

We wish all of our departing players, and their families, every success and happiness for the future.

Always a Knight. ⚔️

#OurEra | #ThisIsYork ⚔