York Knights have made Penrith Panthers prop John Sagaga their latest signing as they ready themselves to make the step up to Super League.
York have been busy over the last few weeks with the likes of Danny Richardson, Jon Bennison and Justin Sangare joining the club. Ryan Jackson, formerly of Central Queesland Capras, and Hull FC youngster Denive Balmforth have also been added this week.
However, Sagaga becomes the 12th signing made by the Super League club and the addition of the prop, who is just 21 years of age, is an exciting one.
York have a working partnership with Penrith and it seems as though they have used it to bring Sagaga to the club for the 2026 season, with the forward being a former Australian Schoolboys representative.
Sagaga is still learning his trade but he featured in two pre-season games earlier this year for the Panthers and over the last three seasons he has played 11 games in the New South Wales Cup.
“I’m really excited to work with John,” York Knights boss Mark Applegarth said of his latest recruit.
“He comes from a really good playing group and culture at Penrith Panthers. We’re hoping he’ll transfer some of the talent he’s shown there into the English Super League.
“I can’t wait for him to get started.”
John Sagaga added: “I’m really excited to be a part of this great club and where it’s heading. 2026 is going to be a very exciting year and I’m looking forward to getting into training and ripping in with the boys.”
Interestingly, the addition of Sagaga appears to take York up to the maximum of 10 overseas players. Ata Hingano, Scott Galeano, Toa Mata’afa, Jordan Lipp, Jack Martin, Jesse Dee, Mitch Clark, Paul Vaughan and Ryan Jackson are the other nine at present.
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