Championship side recruit young St Helens hooker for promotion push

York Knights are the latest side to get in on the transfer action with Andrew Henderson’s side recruiting St Helens’ young hooker Taylor Pemberton until the end of the season, a type of deal we’ve seen plenty of this week particularly yesterday’s major move of Leeds Rhinos’ half Blake Austin to Castleford Tigers.

This deal is slightly lower profile but for Knights’ fans it’s all the more important as they recruit a replacement for their own hooker Josh Daley who is currently injured.

York currently sit in ninth but they’re just three points off the playoffs with only five points separating themselves and Bradford Bulls who currently are fifth.

With the prize of the playoffs an attempt to move towards the Million Pound Game and then Super League it’s a massive move for the Knights to bring in some cover.

Pemberton is a 20-year-old hooker who debuted for Saints last April in Super League, before playing a second Super League game against Wakefield Trinity.

York announced the signing via their club website with the following statement.

“York Knights are delighted to announce the signing of St Helens hooker Taylor Pemberton on loan until the end of the 2023 season, thanks to the support of Squadbuilder.

“The 20-year-old has since gained loan experience at Betfred League One promotion chasers North Wales Crusaders, making three appearances and scoring his first senior try for the Colwyn Bay club earlier this season.

“The former England Youth international joins York on deadline day, bolstering Head Coach Andrew Henderson’s options at nine, with James Cunningham and Josh Daley currently unavailable through injury.”

Henderson, who is proudly sponsored by Haxby Sports Bar, said on bringing in Pemberton: “Taylor is an exciting young talent from St Helens, so I’m delighted to bring him to York.

“I’d like to thank Paul Wellens and Mike Rush at Saints for allowing Taylor to join us on loan until the end of the season.

“Taylor is a utility player. Although predominantly a hooker, he can also cover at loose forward, in the halves and in the back-row. He’s almost a younger version of James Cunningham!

“Having picked up a couple of injuries against London Broncos last weekend – in Chris Clarkson and James Cunningham – and with Josh Daley also out injured at the moment, we thought it was a smart move to bring in another nine alongside Will Jubb.

“Taylor has played a couple of times in the Betfred Super League for St Helens already and he’s been in their high-quality system for a number of years.”

Pemberton himself added: “I’m really excited to have joined York on loan until the end of the season. It’s going to be a great challenge for myself to get some game-time at a really good club in York, who are battling for the top places in the Betfred Championship.

“It’s a new challenge but it’s one that I’m really looking forward to. I can’t wait to get going and to get stuck in with the lads.”

Whilst he won’t feature this weekend he will be available for the Knights next game, Widnes Vikings away on the 20th, and he’ll aim to help the Knights to a fifth straight win as their march for the playoffs continues.