York Knights have confirmed that forward Jordan Thompson has torn his bicep, and will be out for a prolonged period.
Thompson, who was part of the club’s Championship season last year where they picked up two trophies, has started the 2026 campaign in red-hot form, and has been one of the North Yorkshire outfit’s most influential players.
The ex-Hull FC and Leeds man featured for the first 20 minutes in the club’s round four defeat to Warrington Wolves, in what was a bitter blow for both player and team.
Prior to the Wire game, in the first three rounds the 34-year-old averaged around 35 tackles and 80 metres per game, with his leadership skills also proving pivotal.
In his absence, Paul McShane moved to loose forward and Denive Balmforth played extended minutes at hooker, with both of those performing well in his absence.
Speaking to the press ahead of York’s Challenge Cup tie with Keighley Cougars this week, Applegarth confirmed the news of Thompson’s injury, and spoke on just how big of a miss he will be to the side.
“He’s got a torn bicep, so he’s going to have surgery on that,” said the Knights boss. “It’s very unfortunate, but it’s part and parcel of the game.
“I think it’s the first injury I can remember ‘Jordy’ having, if I’m honest with you. He’s normally pretty robust, but what a boost it will be for us when he’s due back in a couple of months time.”
The boss continued: “[Thompson]’s old enough to understand that it’s part and parcel of the game, and like most teams this year, you’re going to get a few injuries to key personnel.
“We want an adaptable team, and that’s exactly what we’ll do… We’ll take it in our stride. No one is going to replace Jordy for us, it’s as simple as that. Jordy is Jordy and we’ll adapt how we play slightly and we’ll crack on.”
York Knights boss provides Jon Bennison latest
One York player who has barely been spoken about this term is Jon Bennison, the ex-St Helens winger who joined the club in the off-season.
Bennison is yet to feature in competitive action for his new club, with his last piece of competitive rugby being the 2025 play-off semi-final defeat to Hull KR, where he failed a HIA in the opening stages.
Applegarth has stated the latest on Bennison, and revealed that the winger had hip surgery in the off-season, which has hampered his return to action with his new club.
“Jon’s back running with the medical team… I think he’s ahead of schedule, progressing really well.
“It’s just a case of building him up. I think he’s probably realistically a good four-five weeks off still, but he’s definitely moving in the right direction.”
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