A Sit Down with Denive Balmforth

11 hours ago
2 min read

Arguably one of the most promising young hookers in the game, Denive Balmforth is ready to keep building his experience with some quality game time this season at York RLFC.

Joining the Knights for the season on loan from Hull FC, the 22 year-old already has 40 Betfred Super League appearances under his belt, including ten last year in a successful loan spell at Catalans Dragon.

With Hull FC keen to continue his development, both Balmforth and York hope to benefit from this season's agreement.

"I'm really enjoying it," he says about his time so far at York. "I've worked with Mark (Applegarth) in the past in the England set up as a youth and we've got quite a good relationship so it's made it quite easy coming into the group. The lads have been great and we're working hard and eager to go."

Having trained with York throughout the winter has also been a good thing for the Welsh international for a number of reasons.

"Getting a pre-season in with the team and learning the understanding of how these guys are going to play makes my life a bit easier. Getting to work with the likes of Macca (Paul McShane) who's been at the top of the game for so many years, the information and knowledge he's given me and I can learn off him is only beneficial for me and my game."

The combination of youth and experience at 9 is also something that's excited coach, Mark Applegarth, and Balmforth can also see how that could be a real asset for York this year.

"We're two completely different hookers, and I can learn from him and the stuff he's done in the game. He's someone I always looked up to as a kid and it's amazing from me.

"But it's not just Paul. There's Vaughany (Paul Vaughan) who's been at the pinnacle of the game over in Australia. I could name a few others. We've a tight knit group here and I think it's going to be a really good year.

"I think the world's at our feet. There's no expectation. There's a lot of players that have come in to the group and I think anything is possible.

"We're not here to make up numbers, we're here to compete and do the best we can. It's really exciting."

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