Former York Knights Brendan O’Hagan has joined a surprise Australian club ahead of the 2024 season.
The Ireland international returns to Australia having played for Wests Tigers in the past and he will join the Entrance Tigers.
They have made a number of major signings including former Leeds Rhinos and Warrington Wolves star Blake Austin as well as Wakefield Trinity cult hero David Fifita.
O’Hagan impressed during the World Cup last year for Ireland and had Super League interest ahead of the 2023 season but stayed at York before leaving mid-way through the 2023 season to return home and he now has his new club in the shape of the Entrance Tigers.
“It’s been a long and hard-thought decision. For my personal life at the moment, it’s the right time to be back home in Australia and a lot closer to my family,” O’Hagan said when he left the club.
“It’s tough going across the other side of the world without your family around you. Now is the right time for myself and my family to go back and be a lot closer to them.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time here in York but going back home in the off-season to see my family for the first time since moving away, it really made my decision about what I want.
“Over the last few months, it’s been tough and I’m happy with the decision I’ve made.”
York RLFC Chairman Clint Goodchild thanked him for his service: “We are saddened by Brendan’s departure, not only for his on-field abilities but also for what he has done for the Club off the field.
“As an active member of the community here in York, Brendan has served as a wonderful representative of the Club.
“We are supportive of Brendan as he returns to Australia and I can speak first hand to the difficulties of being away from family for long periods of time.
“Brendan now has clarity over his future and feels the time is now right to depart.
“He will forever be welcome in York and we thank him for all he has done for the Club.”
