Former Hull KR winger the latest to commit to Championship outfit

One former Hull KR youngster has confirmed his future after signing a new deal for the upcoming 2025 season.

Brad Ward, a Championship Young Player of the Year nominee, has committed his future to York Knights by signing a new one-year deal with the Championship outfit.

York’s recruitment and retention have ramped up in recent weeks with the headline signing of Paul McShane being complimented by former Super League men such as Jacques O’Neill, Jude Ferreroa, Kieran Buchanan, James Farrar and Jacob Gannon.

They’ve also tied down a number of their players including Ukuma Ta’ai who had his new deal confirmed earlier in the week. Now, Brad Ward becomes the latest player to also commit to the North Yorkshire club.

News that former Hull KR academy player Ward had signed a new deal was confirmed by York Knights who released a statement about the retention of the 21-year-old for the upcoming Championship season.

Ex-Hull KR youngster re-signs with York

Ward first joined York on a trial basis after being released from the Hull KR academy but he would quickly earn himself a two-year deal which was then extended ahead of the 2024 season.

He’s now re-signed to commit to his fourth year after an impressive tally of seven tries in 18 during the most recent Championship season, including one against Wakefield Trinity in one of the few games where Daryl Powell’s side were really tested.

Announcing the news of Ward’s deal, York Knights’ statement confirmed: “York RLFC winger, Brad Ward has agreed a new deal to remain a Knight for 2025, thanks to support from Squadbuilder!

“It will be the 21 year-old’s fourth season with the club, after he joined from Hull KR’s academy in 2022 following a trial period.”

Head coach Mark Applegarth, who oversaw a massive boost in form during his time at the club, spoke on Ward’s re-signing as he touted the winger as a player with huge potential.

“I really enjoyed working with Wardy this year and I’m glad to be working with him again next year,” explained Applegarth.

“He’s a player with potential to go all the way in to the next league and the challenge is going to be on him now.

“He had a bit of a breakout year last year and his challenge now is to back that up and go even further.

“Again, he’s another really valuable member of the squad and hopefully he’ll nail down that wing spot as his own this year.”