Vintage Paul Vaughan, star’s disciplinary concern and more York Knights v Toulouse Olympique talking points

York Knights put some distance between themselves and the foot of the table with a comprehensive 38-14 home victory over Toulouse Olympique tonight.

It was York’s third win in Betfred Super League, but their first for two months and ended a five-game losing run.

It may not have made up for last year’s loss to Toulouse in the Championship Grand Final, but gave the promoted outfit a timely boost with a quarter of the season completed.

For the French side, that’s now seven straight defeats after they won their opening two games of the campaign. Here are some of the big talking points to come from that game.

Wigan Warriors’ worries, Hull FC drama and NRL takeover talk – click here to watch the latest episode of the Serious About Rugby League Show

York Knights v Toulouse Olympique talking points

McShane’s milestone:

Veteran York hooker Paul McShane was given a guard of honour by both teams as he entered the field for his 400th career appearance.

The 36-year-old began with home city club Leeds Rhinos in 2009 and has also played for Hull FC, Widnes Vikings, Hunslet, Wakefield Trinity and Castleford Tigers, where he was Man of Steel in 2020.

McShane is one of the modern game’s great servants and it has been a remarkable career, particularly considering he was cast off by Leeds and close to calling it a day as a full-time player during his unhappy spell with Wakefield.

He’s still got it, too, being named man of the match in his milestone game. He set up the first two tries and played 69 minutes before being given a deserved rest.

Birthday bonanza:

Prop Paul Vaughan also had a night to remember, celebrating his 35th birthday with a brace of tries, both created by McShane.

The Aussie has been a big hit for Knights since joining them from Warrington Wolves in pre-season and his two touchdowns against Toulouse took him to five for the year.

His threat close to the opposition’s line is a key weapon in York’s attacking armoury.

Injury blow:

York have had more than their fair share of injuries this year and substitute forward Josh Griffin became the latest casualty when he went off, in clear discomfort, late in the first half.

It looked like a shoulder or collarbone problem and the veteran former Castleford Tigers, Wakefield Trinity and Hull FC man didn’t return.

Ashall-Bott disciplinary concern:

Toulouse full-back Olly Ashall-Bott has been outstanding in a struggling side this year, but he appeared fortunate to avoid a card for a foul on York half-back Cody Hunter just before the break.

The Aussie intercepted Ashall-Bott’s pass near York’s line and was then caught high by the Toulouse star who was second man in after Thomas Lacans’ initial tackle.

It looked a bad one, but referee James Vella awarded only a penalty after consulting video assistant Liam Moore.

The fact Hunter was falling maybe saved Ashall-Bott from further punishment, but it’s one the match review panel will take a close look at on Monday.

In any case, Hunter gained the best-possible revenge, his pass putting Scott Galeano over for a try – the first of his hat-trick – which the scrum-half also converted, in the set from the penalty.

Jesse Dee-light:

Knights were never in danger of losing the game, but the try which sealed it – with 55 minutes played – came off a moment of magic by second-rower Jesse Dee.

Hunter’s kick seemed to be going dead in-goal, but Dee somehow managed to bat it back into play before going over the whitewash himself and Galeano touched down.

Hunter played for Sunshine Coast Falcons in Australia’s Queensland Cup last year before moving to England with York’s partner club Newcastle Thunder.

He made his Super League debut against Leigh last week and looks a good acquisition for Knights who are still missing injured half and captain Liam Harris.

He was involved in a number of tries and kicked seven goals from as many attempts, several off the touchline.