AJ Towse has stressed that is still seeking further improvements to his game after enjoying a breakthrough year with York Knights in 2022.
Towse established himself a regular on the wing for York during the second half of last year featuring throughout the Knights’ run to the Betfred Championship Play-Offs.
The 19-year-old also started in the history-making 26-24 win at Halifax Panthers, the Club’s first win in the Betfred Championship Play-Offs.
In all, the Heworth product racked up 18 appearances and eight tries in 2022, earning a nomination for the Betfred Championship Young Player of the Year award.
“Last year was amazing and a little bit of a roller-coaster,” said Towse.
“I wasn’t expecting to play so much at the start of the season but having been given the opportunity, getting to used to playing regularly was a big step up.
“I kept on working at the smaller parts of my game and just tried to get better week on week.
“It was a big step up and there were some parts of my game that I had to improve on, which was obvious.
“It was quite demanding but I tried my best to compete as hard as I could.
“And even to get nominated for Young Player of the Year and recognised like that was amazing.”
Looking ahead to 2023, Towse, who has been promoted to the number five shirt, added: “I want to keep learning and building on my game.
“I’ve still got loads to learn and improvements to make in my game. I’ll take things a week at a time and try to get better.
“I’m working a lot on my positional play both in defence and attack, something that you learn through experience.
“You put yourself in different situations and see how you react and then review yourself on that.
“There’s plenty of trial and error and you’re often learning from mistakes.
“You’re always looking to improve and I’m trying to become the most well-rounded player that I can.”
Towse is one of five current first-team players to have progressed from York’s community clubs to the Knights first-team, alongside Myles Harrison, Brad Ward, Ben Barnard and Harry Price.
“There’s a lot of youngsters coming through York who have got great potential,” enthused Towse.
“It’s great to be able to show that there is that pathway through to the first-team and let them see that the opportunities are there.
“I’ve had plenty of support from the community clubs, which is great too.”
York Knights begin their 2023 Betfred Championship season against Widnes Vikings at the LNER Community Stadium on Sunday 5th February.
General admission tickets are priced at £20 for adults, £15 for concessions and FREE for under-16s.
To purchase your ticket online, click HERE. Alternatively, you can call 01904 942232 or head to the Ticket Office (next door to the Club Shop).
