Mark Applegarth jumped at the opportunity to sign Hull FC man Zak Hardaker, with the York Knights boss saying the club would be “foolish” not to bring in a man of his quality.
Hardaker joins the North Yorkshire outfit on a two-year deal, following two seasons at the Black and Whites. The 34-year-old will set foot on the eighth club of his career, having started at Featherstone Rovers before playing for the likes of Leeds, Penrith and Wigan.
A former Man of Steel winner and England international, Hardaker will bring star quality to what is a York side set for an upgrade in 2027, with the likes of Max Jowitt and Cameron McInnes joining the club.
Applegarth has now explained why Hardaker and York are the perfect fit, and gave the lowdown on how his move came about.
“Obviously at this time of year, opportunities are opening up,” the York boss told the media on Tuesday afternoon. “With Richie [Myler, CEO] and Steve [McNamara, 2027 head coach] obviously at Hull, they’ll be wanting to take that club in a certain direction.
“An opportunity came to get Zak, so we felt it would be a great fit for us, and where we’re at in our journey.
“We would be foolish not to look at a player like Zak Hardaker. As I say, I think he’s really matured into a great person and player and what a career he’s had to date. I’m really looking forward to spending at least another two years with him.
“After speaking with him, I know he’s coming for the right reasons. As you’d expect, he’s one of the most competitive people that you’ll meet. When I was doing some research on Zak, if there’s one thing that stood out, it was just how competitive he was, how much he wanted to win and how much that shone off on his teammates.
“As I say, he’s a proven winner, a proven top-level player, and I’m just delighted he’s in a York shirt.”
With the signings the club have made, Applegarth believes it an exciting time to be a York Knights fan, with a few more big additions still waiting to be revealed.
“I’d like to think [it’s an exciting time],” he said. “We’ve got a few exciting signings lined up. That’s one for the off-season and then moving forward.
“Our eyes are fully on Bradford [Thursday’s opponents], we’re all in on that one. We need to make sure that we’re all in on it because they’re a very dangerous team.
“As you say, both teams have got everything to play for. I’m sure it’ll be a great atmosphere. I’m really looking forward to one last dance in 2026.”
York Knights boss remains tight-lipped on potential NRL signing
The Knights have been linked with further star quality in the shape of NRL prop Blake Lawrie. The departing St George Illawarra man is believed to have signed a long-term deal at the club, but Applegarth refused to give anything away.
“I don’t know,” the boss said when asked about the links. “You’d have to ask the CEO on that.
“We’re getting associated with everyone that’s coming through at the moment. Someone asked me the other day if we were actually signing Nathan Cleary!
“I don’t know where that [Lawrie rumour] has come from. Blake’s a player that I’ve watched for many a year in the NRL. Good player, great person, so we’ll see what happens, but there’s nothing really to announce.
