York Knights’ season ended on Thursday night but they’ve already confirmed a major recruit for 2027 with the North Yorkshire club announcing NRL prop Blake Lawrie on a two-year deal.
Lawrie, 29, boasts over 170 NRL appearances and he will join the Knights in a position of need given that star prop Paul Vaughan, a former teammate of Lawrie’s, is retiring after playing his final game for York on Thursday.
The prop becomes the latest St George Illawarra Dragons player to sign a deal in Super League for 2027 following on from Castleford-bound trio Damien Cook, Mat Feagai and Tyrell Sloan, Catalans’ recruit Luciano Leilua, and St Helens’ latest signing Christian Tulipulotu.
Earlier this month it had been confirmed that Lawrie had been ‘made available’ to Super League clubs and York have now signed the forward to a two-year deal includes the option of a third, with the forward possibly set to stay with the Knights until the end of the 2029 season.
Having debuted for St George in 2017, Lawrie has gone on to play 171 NRL games with nine of those coming in 2026.
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York Knights sign Blake Lawrie for 2027
Speaking on his move to York, Lawrie said: “I’m really excited to be joining York in 2027.
“It’s a club with plenty of ambition and I’m looking forward to being part of what they’re building.
“I’m coming over to play my best footy, add to the group and help the club compete at the highest level.”
Head coach Mark Applegarth added: “[I’m] delighted to have Blake over the line, he’s a proven top level middle with over 170 NRL games.
“Not only will he bring a high standard on the park but his leadership will be vital off it as well as we look to push to the next level.
“I’m really looking forward to getting to know Blake and his family and can’t wait to see him in a Knights shirt.”
Lawrie becomes York’s latest signing after the addition of Zak Hardaker from Hull FC, with the former Man of Steel signing a two-year deal at the LNER Community Stadium. He also becomes their second overseas signing after signing Cam McInnes from Cronulla Sharks.
York RLFC are delighted to confirm the signing of experienced prop, Blake Lawrie, on a two year deal, thanks to support from Squad Builder ✍️
The 29-year-old will arrive at York with more than 170 NRL appearances to his name.
Full details at https://t.co/XKENvgehOo 📲#OurEra… pic.twitter.com/pE2v0jzlhk
— York RLFC Knights (@YorkRLFC) September 11, 2026
