York City Knights are delighted to confirm that half-back Ata Hingano will be joining the Club permanently next season.
The Tongan half-back has signed a three-year deal and will also feature for the Knights this season after joining last week on loan for the remainder of the campaign in a move made possible thanks to the support of Squad Builder.
25-year-old Hingano has represented New Zealand Warriors and Canberra Raiders in the NRL. He first moved to the UK in 2021 after signing for Salford Red Devils before moving to Leigh Centurions for the current campaign.
He has also starred for the Tongan national team, making eight appearances including a 2017 Rugby League World Cup semi-final outing against England.
Hingano revealed last week that he is delighted to be spending the latter part of this season with the Knights and further outlined his belief that this temporary spell leading into his permanent move will help the settling in process.
“It will be very beneficial. To create success and make success, it comes down to trusting the players and coaches around you trusting you and you trusting them. It’s got to be built on trust and that doesn’t come overnight, so getting involved sooner and being around the club can only help.
“It will be great to show my ability, earn the boys’ respect and help the team reach the goals that we have.”
On the confirmation of Hingano’s permanent arrival, Head Coach Ford added his view that the jumpstart on bedding in will help the player and squad.
“We’ve signed Ata for next season. I spoke to Chris (Chester, Leigh director of rugby) and asked about his availability and the potential of us getting him now.
“I think that Ata’s pedigree is incredible and I just think he needs a run of games.
“He’ll need a chance to know our systems and calls as well as building relationships with those around him, but he’ll pick those systems up pretty quickly because they’re similar to how Leigh operate.”
