York Knights begin their 2024 campaign next week with a trip to Newcastle Thunder in the AB Sundecks 1895 Cup on Saturday 27th January (3pm).
Ahead of the season opener at Kingston Park, we spoke to Will Jubb about surpassing 150 York appearances last year, competing alongside three other hookers this year and his excitement ahead of 2024.
How do you reflect on 2023 and that incredible run the Knights went on to reach the Play-Offs?
“That middle point of the year was a big turning point for us and we all really bought into what Hendo wanted us to produce on the pitch.
We were all in it together and there was a real ‘Save your mate’ mentality and it really shone through. To win as many games as we did in the second half of the season and get into the Play-Offs was a really big achievement.
“It was a really positive finish and hopefully it’s something we can build on heading this season.”
Was there one particular turning point moment in the season?
“It was a more of a gradual thing. I remember we beat Halifax at home and we went on that incredible run from there.
"There was no massive turning point, things just began clicking for us. We competed in all the effort areas and everything just came together.”
How impressed have you been by the recruitment done by the Club during the off-season heading into 2024?
“They’re all great players, they’ve all settled in really well and I think we’ve got a really good group here this year.
“Training has been really good so far and there’s some combinations that are developing well, so it’s going to be exciting to see what we can produce this year.”
There's four quality hookers in the squad this year too, so there's plenty of competition for places...
“That brings out the best in everyone and we all learn and build our games off each other. And if you don’t perform, you’re going to be out of the side.
"That competition is great and hopefully it helps the team improve and we see the best from whoever’s playing.”
Last year you went past 150 appearances for York. How much did that mean to you?
“It’s an absolute honour to have played as many games as I have for this Club. It’s something myself and my family are really proud of.
"I can’t thank the Club enough for making those occasions special and to the fans too for their support.
"I hope everyone can see how much it means to me out on the field because I absolutely love playing for this Club.”
You're currently the fifth-highest appearance maker for York in the Club's summer era history...
“It’s fantastic and really humbling. To be a small piece in the history of this Club is a really nice feeling.
"Hopefully I can get a few more games yet and we’ll see where it goes. It’s not something that you aim for, but when people talk to you about it, it does make you proud.
"To be up with those names, it’s a real honour and I’m very proud to have been able to do that.”
Finally, just how much are you looking forward to 2024?
“I’m really excited. We’ve had a couple of opposed sessions against Castleford and Hunslet so far, which have done really well, so it’ll interesting to see how we go once the action starts properly.
"It’s a really exciting time, but this is a really strong league, with some good players and good teams in the Betfred Championship. It’s going to be a good competition, but we’ll put our best foot forward and aim to do the best we can.”
York Knights begin their 2024 season with a trip to Newcastle Thunder in the AB Sundecks 1895 Cup at Kingston Park on Saturday 27th January (3pm).
Tickets are priced at £15 for Adults and Concessions and £5 for Under-16s and are only available to purchase on-the-gate! Click HERE for more information.
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