Super League newcomers York Knights have signed a “highly-rated” 20-year-old play-maker from St Helens.
Half-back Will Roberts progressed through Saints’ scholarship and academy system after joining them aged 14.
The former Rylands Sharks junior made his professional debut on dual-registration for Swinton Lions in 2023 and was promoted into Saints’ senior squad the following year.
He featured for Swinton again in 2024 and had spells on loan at Rochdale Hornets two years ago and with Widnes Vikings last season, before being released by Saints at the end of the campaign without having made a top-flight appearance.
Knights coach Mark Applegarth said: “He comes very highly rated from St Helens. They are blessed with an abundance of talent in the half-backs and I’ve watched Will for a couple of years now.
“I really like what he’s about. I think he’s going to be a quality half-back over the next two to three years.”
He becomes York’s 13th new signing as they prepare for their first season in Super League, with Roberts following his former St Helens teammate Jon Bennison to the LNER Community Stadium.
York have also added Super League experience in the shape of Josh Griffin, Danny Richardson, Paul Vaughan, Justin Sangare and Matty Foster, while Jordan Lipp, Ryan Jackson and John Sagaga have made the move from down under.
Jack Smith and Denive Balmforth complete their recruitment, with the latter joining on a season-long loan from Hull FC.
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