Jon Bennison will line up against St Helens tonight for the first time in his career with the York Knights back relishing the challenge against the club he called home for the majority of his career.
Still only 23, Bennison left St Helens to join York Knights in the off-season but injury has limited him to just one appearance with the winger lining up last week in the win over Toulouse Olympique.
Tonight he returns to his former club for the first time and St Helens’ assistant Lee Briers is sure that the outside back will get a very warm welcome.
“I’ve known Jon since he was 15 when I coached him at Thatto Heath Crusaders,” Briers said earlier in the week when conducting the pre-match presser.
“Tremendous person. Tremendous member of a very successful squad. We’ll welcome Jon back with open arms and I’m sure the St Helens faithful in the stands will make sure that he’s given his welcome return.”
As for Bennison, he can’t wait to line up against the Red Vee that he donned 71 times: “I’m really excited. It’ll be nice to play against some of my mates who are still there.
“There are a few injured, but I’m looking forward to playing against them, hopefully getting one over on them and it’ll be interesting to see what it’s like to play against some of these lads.”
Jake Connor’s World Cup chances, Brian McDermott reaction & Leeds Rhinos early title favourites – Click here to watch the latest episode of the Serious About Rugby League Show
St Helens return has been in the calendar for months for Bennison
Bennison debuted for St Helens in 2021, making just one appearance, but he played 18 times in 2022 when the Red Vee won their most recent Grand Final.
Recalling his time at the club, he said: “I’ve got some great memories playing with them for years, so it will be nice to go back. Nice to get my family and friends down as well, so I’m really looking forward to it.
“This is a game I pencilled in the calendar months ago, so I’m really excited.”
Despite his love of St Helens, Bennison started to fall out of favour in 2025 with the winger ending the regular season on loan at Widnes Vikings before then returning for the play-offs.
In the play-offs, he’d score in the incredible win over Leeds Rhinos but ultimately didn’t earn a new deal with York Knights swooping to sign him.
Explaining why York, Bennison said: “The main thing for me being here is trying to develop as a player and trying to play every week I can.
“Obviously, I’ve had a set-back with this injury and not been able to really make my mark yet at the club, but that’s the main thing to try and play each week.
“It’s just the right time for me and I’m delighted that I’m here and that I’ve got this opportunity. Hopefully, I can repay some trust with some good performances.”
