York Knights head coach Mark Applegarth had plenty to say after his side’s narrow 23-22 defeat to Wigan Warriors in round five of Super League.
Despite racing into a 14-0 lead, York were reeled back in with Harry Smith’s opportunist drop goal proving the difference in what was a tough game at the Brick Community Stadium.
The Knights scored tries through David Nofoaluma, Paul Vaughan and Ata Hingano but it wasn’t quite enough, with head coach Mark Applegarth lamenting the number of six agains that his side conceded in the second half as Wigan got a roll on.
Speaking post-match on Sky Sports, he gave his assessment: “First half we did exactly what we said we were going to do, and I thought that second half, them six against, killed us, didn’t they?
“Ultimately, I’m just really proud of the effort. It’s come down to moments, and when you’re in big games, in close games, it does come down to moments. We’ve come up with two one-on-one misses, and not sticking to a system, and ultimately that’s all it costs, isn’t it, at this level?
“I’m proud of the effort, proud every week, and I love the spirit in our team, and we’ll never say die, but when you’re playing top teams, and Wigan are a top team, you’ve got to make sure you’re concentrated for that full 80 minutes.”
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‘Tough’ sin bin proves costly for York Knights
One crucial moment in the game was Marcus Griffiths’ decision to sin bin Ata Hingano on the half hour mark with the York playmaker sent to the bin for ruck infringement, however, it was perhaps one penalty too many in a short space of time.
Asked about that, Applegarth said: “I felt it was a tough one, and then there was a similar one in the second half, but there’ll probably be a game a bit further on in the year where we come out on the right side of it. Sometimes you’ve just got to take your medicine. It’s a tough enough job as it is in the middle, isn’t it, and I definitely don’t want to make it harder.”
Loanee Sam Cook helped get the Knights back into the game as he broke free and then offloaded to Hingano who scored under the sticks, drawing the score to 23-22 with a few minutes to play but York failed to get a drop goal opportunity as the ball went to ground.
Asked about Cook’s influence and that crucial error, Applegarth had his say: “He’s a top player, is Cook. Obviously, we had him last year as well. We knew exactly what we were going to bring in. I’m really proud of him for his debut. I thought he took the Super League exactly how we thought he would.
“Coming back to your other point, that’s what I mean by concentration and just icing your moments, and congratulations to Wigan. I thought they iced theirs. Sometimes you’ve just got to take your medicine and go again next week.”
The Knights also saw star man Paul McShane leave the field with an injury concern with Applegarth confirming the club are worried that the hooker may have fractured his hand.
He said: “We’re just a bit worried he might have fractured his hand, so we’ll get that x-rayed tonight or tomorrow morning and hopefully get some good news there.
“He was just struggling to pass the ball. Naturally, in the position that he plays, we didn’t want to take any chances with him.”
Full-Time: Wigan Warriors 23-22 York Knights! 😲🤏 pic.twitter.com/9ZyIxYgGuL
— Sky Sports Rugby League (@SkySportsRL) March 19, 2026
