Recently-released Sydney Roosters forward, Xavier Va’a may have have seen his move to Wakefield Trinity fall through, however he will still be joining the Northern Hemisphere competition, albeit for a different side.
Va’a, who was released by the Chooks earlier this week in order to pursue other playing opportunities, was initially set to make the journey to Super League, with reports elsewhere linking him to Wakefield.
However, the move to be part of Daryl Powell’s side has failed to come to fruition, and his move to West Yorkshire won’t be happening. But, he will still be playing in the UK next year, after signing a two-year deal to sign with York Knights.
The young forward only made his NRL debut earlier this year, in a try-scoring maiden bow that saw him cross less than a minute after coming on to the pitch.
A regular in the Roosters’ reserve grade sides, Va’a, 22, has 48 appearances to his name, and is now set to increase that number under the tutelage of Mark Applegarth and the Knights.
He will take up the club’s tenth and final quota spot, meaning that York will have a full contingent of overseas players next year, with some of them set to make a real impact.
Va’a will join the likes of Paul Vaughan, Ryan Jackson and John Sagaga in the front row, making for an explosive pack that is spearheaded by Vaughan and his incredible experience.
York have one of the toughest starts to the 2026 season, as they play Hull KR, Leeds, Hull FC, Warrington and Wigan in their first five fixtures. Their forward pack will need to be up for the physical battle, but the addition of Va’a only strengthens their ranks.
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