Released St Helens man signs with Super League hopefuls

Ambitious York Knights have continued their signing spree by adding another Super League player to their squad for 2026.

Winger Jon Bennison has joined the Championship outfit from St Helens and is their third high-profile recruit in two days, following former Castleford Tigers captain Sam Wood and French international Justin Sangare, who spent this year with Salford Red Devils.

Bennison, 22, came through Saints’ academy and made a try-scoring Super League debut against Salford in 2021.

He also crossed in the following year’s Grand Final win against Leeds Rhinos and was part of the travelling squad for the 2023 World Club Challenge victory over Penrith Panthers in Australia.

He had a spell on loan at Widnes Vikings in 2025, but was recalled for the play-offs and scored in Saints’ elimination win against Rhinos at Headingley last month.

York Knights swoop for released Saint Bennison ahead of Super League decision date

Knights will learn this week if they have secured a place in Super League for 2026 and Bennison said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be joining York.

“It’s a very exciting time to join the club and keep building on the great success this team has already had.

“The ambitions of the club were clear from the outset and something I couldn’t wait to be a part of.”

Knights coach Mark Applegarth reckons Bennison’s best rugby is yet to come. He insisted: “He’s a young kid that has been in a great environment at St Helens and he’s looking to establish himself as a first choice.

“I’m delighted we can offer him a contract to give him that platform to do that. I think he’ll add a lot of composure to what we do. He has got some talent and I’m just really looking forward to working with him.”

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