York Knights are delighted to confirm the signing of Conor Fitzsimmons on a two-year deal, thanks to the support of Squad Builder.
The Cumbrian, 24, joins from Workington Town and was their standout player throughout a 2022 campaign that saw the team relegated from the Championship.
Capable of playing in the front row, back-row and at loose-forward, Fitzsimmons’ arrival offers new Knights Head Coach Andrew Henderson a player with versatility and one who will, no doubt, be keen to continue his development with a team looking to push at the top end of the Championship.
Fitzsimmons began his career with Castleford Tigers, playing twice for the Super League team, with a loan spell at Workington also arriving early in his career.
After spending the 2018 and 2019 seasons in League One with Newcastle Thunder, Fitzsimmons returned to his native Cumbria for the 2020 campaign and spent three seasons with Workington before signing to join the Knights.
On signing for the Club, Fitzsimmons said: “I’m really exciting to be joining York. The Club seems to really be going places at the moment and I’m happy to be a part of it. I really hope I can add something to it to complement those around me to help us really push for the top positions.”
Discussing where he feels he is at his best, Fitzsimmons added: “I like to adapt my game so I can be versatile and play in a few positions but I see myself more as a player in the middle. I see my strengths as being able to play with the ball a bit and I think that’s what I’ve been brought in for.
“Obviously I still have things to work on and I know that but that’s why I want to improve and this year I’m keen to get my game to be the best it can be.
Further to that, he pointed to the Knights’ Player of the Year as someone he is keen to learn from. “I debuted at seventeen with Castleford so that was quite early. I’ve played over a hundred games since and I’ve only just turned 24. I’ll look to someone like Jordan Thompson for advice as I see my game being similar to his.
“He’s been in the game a while and been at the top level so, if I can base my game around him, that would be perfect.
Reflecting on a tough 2021 with Workington, Fitzsimmons also pointed to an eagerness to improve his game this year. “It was a really tough year at Workington but the Club was great with me and I loved my time there with it being my hometown. I want to be playing at the highest level I can and I think that, joining York, with the new coach coming in, will help that.
Discussing the arrival of new Head Coach Andrew Henderson, the Cumbrian said: “He wanted me at Keighley two years ago so I think that puts us in good stead but, with a new Coach coming in, it gives everyone a level playing field in terms of he gets to see an outside view. He sees everyone as a new player rather than having his people he relies on – he gets to see us all in the same light.”
Season Tickets are available now with holders getting access to all home league matches for both our Knights and Valkyrie teams. For full information, head to the new York RLFC website HERE.
