Newcastle Thunder are reaping the rewards of their partnership with York Knights, after agreeing to sign two of their overseas players.
The two clubs, along with NRL side Penrith Panthers, are currently one year into a three-year partnership, that benefits all parties, and helps them develop and learn from one another.
One of the key factors in the agreement is that emerging Newcastle players now have a direct path to Super League, with York now able to give those opportunities to deserving talents.
On the flip side, York are able to send some of their players to the North East, as they earn game time playing in the second tier.
After being accepted into Super League for 2026, and making signings to be able to compete in the division, it means that the Knights are currently full on their quota spots, with each club allowed to have 10 non-federation trained players in the squad.
Two overseas players who played for Mark Applegarth’s side in 2025, but have not been announced in the club’s 2026 squad are Bailey Antrobus and Sam Cook. After failing to agree terms at York, they will both head to Newcastle for next season, linking up with Graham Steadman’s side in what is a big coup for the side who finished bottom of League One this year.
York Knights duo make Championship switch after Super League promotion
Antrobus is a Wales international, and represented his nation, which he qualifies via heritage, at the 2022 World Cup. He played in all three group stage defeats. He already has one appearance for Thunder on his CV, featuring for them on loan in August.
A former St George Illawarra man, he joined York in 2022, and has made 40 appearances for the club in that time. He has found game time hard to come by over the two seasons though, playing just 10 times since the start of 2024.
The 25-year-old featured for his new club on loan earlier this year, in a defeat to Keighley Cougars in August.
Cook, meanwhile has two NRL appearances under his belt, making his debut in the Australian first grade for New Zealand Warriors in 2018. He was a regular in York’s top-of-the-table Championship squad this year, and has played 34 games across his two-year spell at the club.
Commenting on Antrobus’ move, coach Steadman said: “His versatility across the forward pack and his commitment in defence made him one of the most reliable assets in a team.
“With a full pre-season ahead and a refreshed squad around him, I expect he will be central to the team’s plans as we look to climb the ladder in the newly reformed Betfred Championship in 2026.”
On Cook, he added: “We look forward to Sam turning out for Thunder. He brings a great mix of technical skill and high-level experience from the NRL and in the Championship last season with York. That versatility will be massive for us as we build a squad capable of competing in the newly formatted Betfred Championship.”
