Six York City Knights players across both our men and women’s squads have played international rugby league over the past two weekends and, before turning attention to the team’s matches this Sunday, let’s take a look back at how they got on…
England Women – Hollie Dodd, Grace Field, Tara Jane Stanley & Olivia Wood
Four Knights represented England in their two recent matches and return to the Knights after helping the national side to two victories.
The first, last weekend against Wales at Cross Keys, saw them record a 32-6 victory as Olivia Wood made her debut for her country.
Full-back Tara Jane Stanley kicked four goals while Hollie Dodd, after starting on the bench, scored England’s final try to seal the win.
On Saturday, they made it two consecutive wins when opening the national team double-header at the Halliwell Jones Stadium. England didn’t have it their own way against France, especially in the first half, but did come away with a 36-10 win to their name.
Dodd scored once again, this time opening the scoring after starting in the back-row, with Stanley converting four of the seven tries. Wood once again started in the front-row alongside Field who, after overcoming an early injury, came back onto the field towards the end of the match.
Ireland Women – Bettie Lambert
On Saturday 11th June, outside back Bettie Lambert travelled to Udine with Ireland facing Italy.
In sweltering heat, the game was split into four quarters and a dominant showing from those in green saw Ireland leave with a 30-6 win to their name. Lambert lined up in the centres.
Wales Men – Bailey Antrobus
After joining the Knights after coming through the St George Illawarra system, back-rower Bailey Antrobus explained that a big part of his motivation for moving to the northern hemisphere was to catch the eye of the Wales selectors with the Rugby League World Cup approaching.
After four games in the Knights shirt, his debut came with him starting for Wales in Albi on Sunday when they faced France.
In their first fixture since 2018, the Welsh fell to a 34-10 defeat with the likes of Benjamin Garcia, Eloi Pelissier and Morgan Escare crossing for the hosts.
