York City Knights are delighted to announce the signing of hooker Josh Daley for the 2023 season!
Daley, who represented the Mounties – a feeder club for the NRL’s Canterbury Bulldogs – has been one of the leading hookers in the New South Wales Cup this season and has a reputation as a tackling machine.
With a tackle completion rate of 95.7%, he ended the 2022 season as the second highest tackler in the competition, making 756 at an average of just under 38 per game.
Prior to joining Mounties, Daley played for Wests Devils as a youngster before moving onto Western Suburbs Magpies and North Sydney Bears.
Speaking on the Knights’ latest signing, Head Coach James Ford said: “I’m pleased to sign Josh. He is a very talented hooker who comes very highly recommended.
“He’s strong defensively and a running threat off the back of ruck wins. I’m confident Josh will have a positive impact on our performances.”
26-year-old Daley himself shared how the move to York came about and discussed his background as well as interest in the sport.
“The move came about, basically, through Mounties this year. We had a really good season and they made me captain, sort of giving me the keys to the car, putting a whole heap of faith and opportunity in me.
“I heard through my manager that there was some interest overseas which is something that I’ve looked at in the last few years. The York offer came through and it was the most appealing so I jumped at it.
Speaking of his style of play, he said: “A dynamic, running hooker. I like getting out of dummy-half, not only setting up people but I like running a lot, it’s a big part of my game. I love bringing people onto the ball as well and I’ll be trying to chew up as many metres in the middle of the field as I can.
Since hearing of the interest in York, Daley revealed that he’s been following the Knights’ progress as well as rugby league in the UK. “It’s been really good. I’ve always followed Super League and Championship to see what’s going on over there because my old man, brother and I are just tragics, really!
“It’s interesting – I like the promotion and relegation system over there, and I’ve been looking in the last few months for what’s going on at York. It’s really cool how the club won the first Championship Play-Off game against Halifax. I watched that game and then the one on Sunday against Leigh, as well, and it’s a really interesting journey the team has been on.”
“There’s obviously the idea of getting promoted to Super League at York and I think there are a lot of good building blocks there, not only building into this season but the next few. It sounds like a club that is really on the up, let’s put it that way.”
Daley joins the likes of Chris Clarkson, Liam Harris and Brendan O’Hagan in already committing to the Knights for 2023. Season Tickets for next season go on sale from 10am on Wednesday 28th September.
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