2022 York City Knights season explained

York City Knights 2022 season
Year:2022
Team Colour:
  1. FFCB2C
Font Colour:Black
League:Championship
League Rank:6th
Playoff Result:lost in Semi-final
Cup:Challenge Cup
Cup Result:5th round
Ceo Title:Chairman
Ceo:Clint Goodchild
Coach Title:Head Coach
List:yes
List Link:List of York City Knights seasons

In the 2022 rugby league season York City Knights competed in the 2022 RFL Championship and the 2022 Challenge Cup. At the start of the season the club was taken over by Clint Goodchild who became the new chairman. York had a strong first half of the season which included a run of seven wins in the league that helped them finish in sixth place to qualify for the play-offs despite winning only five of their final 11 games. They lost in the semi-finals to Leigh Centurions who earlier in the season inflicted a club record 100–4 defeat on York. In the Challenge Cup York reached the fifth round. It was the final season that the team played as York City Knights after which the club was renamed York RLFC and the team became the Knights.

Season review

Pre-season

In November 2021, James Ford signed a new contract extending his contract as head coach until the end of the 2024 season.[1] Brett Delaney was appointed as assistant coach, but left in July to join Hull KR.[2] [3] Several players retired at the end of the 2021 season including Tim Spears, who had been at York since the 2017 season, and the pre-season saw numerous player transfers followed by the departure of Jon Flatman as chairman when the club came under the new ownership of Clint Goodchild in January 2022.[4] [5] [6]

2022 Season

York began the season on 31 January with a Monday night fixture against Featherstone Rovers in which York lost 30–12.[7] In February, York won against Dewsbury Rams[8] and Batley Bulldogs[9] before losing to Leigh Centurions,[10] Jack Logan, who had signed at the start of the season, announced his retirement from the game, and York defeated Newcastle Thunder 42–13 in the fourth round of the Challenge Cup.[11] At the start of March, York moved to fifth in the league with a 26–24 win over London Broncos,[12] but were knocked out of the Challenge Cup by Whitehaven a week later.[13] However, the women's team continued their Challenge Cup campaign with a double-header played with York's next league game; a 32–6 win over Widnes Vikings in which Levi Edwards made his debut for York and scored his first try for the club.[14] [15] His second came on 3 April as York won 44–18 away to Workington Town in what was also the final game for Kristian Brining who announced his retirement a few weeks later.[16] [17]

York recorded home wins over Newcastle[18] and Whitehaven in April, and started May by defeating Barrow Raiders[19] and winning 20–6 at Bradford Bulls. The run of seven successive league wins, which had taken York up to third in the table, was ended the following week with a 40–24 loss to Halifax Panthers.[20] [21] New signing Bailey Antrobus made his debut in the game and scored his first try for York the following week in a 34–14 win at Sheffield Eagles.[22] York continued to be successful throughout June with a closely fought 36–34 victory over London,[23] followed by away wins at Widnes and Whitehaven. The Whitehaven game was the first ever victory for the City Knights at the Recreation Ground and the first by a York team since 1992.[24] [25] This run of four wins was followed by matches against Barrow, Halifax, Batley and Featherstone, all of whom finished above York in the league table. At the end of July, York defeated Newcastle at the Championship Summer Bash to end a run of four losses,[26] [27] but three weeks later suffered a club record 100–4 loss at Leigh.[28] A run of three wins at the end of the season, including a 74–12 victory over Workington meant that York finished their Championship campaign in sixth place.[4] [29] [30]

In the play-offs, York won 26–24 at Halifax to reach the semi-finals,[31] where their season was ended by a 70–10 loss to Leigh.[32] At the Championship Awards York's AJ Towse was a nominee for the Young Player of the Year.[33]

Post-season

In October 2022, James Ford resigned from his role as head coach to become assistant coach at Wakefield Trinity.[34] [35] On 14 October it was announced that the club had been renamed York RLFC and that the men's team would be rebranded as the Knights.[36]

Results

Pre-season friendlies

DateVersusH/AVenueResultScoreTriesGoalsAttendanceReport+Pre-season results7 January Midlands HurricanesHYork Community Stadium46–6[37]
16 January Castleford TigersHYork Community Stadium10–32Oakes, Marsh?[38]

Championship

See main article: 2022 RFL Championship.

Championship results

DateRoundVersusH/AVenueResultScoreTriesGoalsAttendanceReport+Championship results31 January1 Featherstone RoversHYork Community Stadium12–30Glover, JubbEllis (2)3,602[39] RFL
6 February2 Dewsbury RamsHYork Community Stadium30–2Marsh, Ellis, Davis, O'Hagan, ClarksonEllis (5)RFL
13 February3 Batley BulldogsAMount Pleasant10–4Michael, OakesEllisRFL
20 February4 Leigh CenturionsHYork Community Stadium4–40JubbRFL
6 March5 London BroncosAPlough Lane26–24Oakes, Michael, Harris, Clarkson, GloverEllis (3)RFL
20 March6 Widnes VikingsHYork Community Stadium32–6Marsh (2), O'Hagan, Ward, Stock, EdwardsEllis (2), Harris (2)RFL
3 April7 Workington TownADerwent Park44–18Harris (2), Thompson, Brown, Edwards, Glover (2), JubbHarris (6)RFL
16 April8 Newcastle ThunderHYork Community Stadium38–6Thompson, Dixon, Glover, Towse (2), Matongo, BrownHarris (5)RFL
24 April9 WhitehavenHYork Community Stadium30–12O'Hagan, Edwards, Harris (2), GloverHarris (5)RFL
2 May10 Barrow RaidersACraven Park30–18Brown, Oakes, Marsh, Thompson, HarrisHarris (4)RFL
15 May11 Bradford BullsAOdsal Stadium20–6Clarkson, Jubb, O'Hagan, KirmondEllis (2)RFL
22 May12 Halifax PanthersHYork Community Stadium24–40Harris (2), Teanby, MarshEllis (4)RFL
2 June13 Sheffield EaglesAOlympic Legacy Park34–14Glover, Antrobus, Dixon, Pauli, Stock (2)Harris (5)RFL
5 June14 London BroncosHYork Community Stadium36–34Harris (2), Thompson, Marsh, Towse (2)Ellis (6)RFL
12 June15 Widnes VikingsADCBL Stadium16–14Brown (2), MarshEllis (2)RFL
26 June16 WhitehavenARecreation Ground40–16Thompson, Ellis, Towse (2), Antrobus, Brown, O'HaganEllis (5), HarrisRFL
3 July17 Barrow RaidersHYork Community Stadium16–24Brown, Pauli, GloverEllis, HarrisRFL
11 July18 Halifax PanthersAThe Shay10–36Clarkson, JubbHarrisRFL
18 July19 Batley BulldogsHYork Community Stadium16–32Harris, Towse, KirmondHarris (2)RFL
24 July20 Featherstone RoversAPost Office Road22–30Towse, Brown, Ward, O'HaganGlover, Harris (2)RFL
31 July21 Newcastle ThunderNHeadingley Stadium27–18Brown (2), Marsh, Glover, KirmondHarris (3)RFL
7 August22 Dewsbury RamsACrown Flatt22–10Harris, Hingano, Marsh (2)Harris, Glover (2)RFL
15 August23 Bradford BullsHYork Community Stadium16–20Jubb, Marsh, BrownGlover (2)RFL
21 August24 Leigh CenturionsALeigh Sports Village4–100Brown2,744RFL
26 August25 Sheffield EaglesHYork Community Stadium20–12Marsh, Antrobus, Harris, GloverGlover (2)RFL
3 September26 Newcastle ThunderAKingston Park24–18Glover, O'Hagan, Brown, InmanHarris (3)RFL
18 September27 Workington TownHYork Community Stadium74–12Michael, Harris (3), Kirmond, Brown (2), Glover (2), Porter, Inman, O'Hagan, ClarksonHarris (2), Glover (9)RFL

Play-offs

DateRoundVersusH/AVenueResultScoreTriesGoalsAttendanceReport+Play-off results18 SeptemberEliminators Halifax PanthersAThe Shay26–24Brown, Jubb, Harris, EdwardsGlover (2)1,850RFL
25 SeptemberSemi-finals Leigh CenturionsALeigh Sports Village10–70Marsh, StockHarris3,329RFL
Team bracket

Source:Rugby League Project

Challenge Cup

DateRoundVersusH/AVenueResultScoreTriesGoalsAttendanceReport+Challenge Cup results27 February4 Newcastle ThunderHYork Community Stadium42–13Ellis, Dixon, Marsh (2), Harris, Stock, WardEllis (7)1,221[40] RFL
13 March5 WhitehavenARecreation Ground12–38O'Hagan, BrownHarris (2)798[41] RFL

Players

2022 transfers

Gains

Player ! scope="col" style="background:#FFCB2C; border:solid black 1px"
Club ContractDate
1 Year September 2021[42]
1 Year September 2022[43]
1 Year October 2021[44]
1 Year October 2021[45]
2 Years October 2021[46]
1 Year October 2021[47]
1 Year October 2021[48]
1 Year October 2021[49]
1 Year October 2021[50]
1 Year November 2021[51]
Season loan November 2021[52]
1 Year October 2021[53] [54]
1 Year October 2021[55]
2 Years January 2022[56]
Season loan March 2022[57]
End of season May 2022[58]
Loan to end of season July 2022[59]
Tom Inman End of season July 2022[60]

Losses

Player ! scope="col" style="background:#FFCB2C; border:solid black 1px"
Club ContractDate
Retired July 2021[61]
2 Year September 2021[62]
Retired September 2021[63]
Retired September 2021[64]
Retired September 2021[65]
1 Year October 2021[66]
1 Year October 2021[67]
1 Year November 2021[68]
1 Year November 2021[69]
January 2022[70] [71]
Retired February 2022[72]
Retired April 2022[73]

Internationals

Several York players were selected for 2021 World Cup squads:

Notes and References

  1. Web site: James Ford commits to long-term deal at York City Knights . Total Rugby League . 7 November 2021 . 10 January 2024.
  2. Web site: York City Knights appoint Brett Delaney as Assistant Coach . RFL . 11 November 2021 . 10 January 2024.
  3. Web site: Brett Delaney leaves York for Super League opportunity with Hull KR . Love Rugby League . 6 July 2022 . 10 January 2024.
  4. News: The York City Knights 2022 season review . . 4 October 2022 . 10 January 2024.
  5. Web site: York City Knights confirm sale of club . RFL . 16 January 2022 . 10 January 2024.
  6. Web site: Championship ins and outs for 2022: Signings and retentions club-by-club . Love Rugby League . 17 November 2021 . 10 January 2024.
  7. Web site: York City Knights praised after battling Featherstone defeat . Love Rugby League . 31 January 2022 . 10 January 2024.
  8. Web site: Betfred Championship Round-Up Round Two . RFL . 6 February 2022 . 12 January 2024.
  9. Web site: Betfred Championship Round-Up Round 3 . RFL . 13 February 2022 . 12 January 2024.
  10. Web site: Betfred Championship round-up Round 4 . RFL . 20 February 2022 . 12 January 2024.
  11. Web site: Betfred Challenge Cup round-up Round 4 . RFL . 27 February 2022 . 10 January 2024.
  12. Web site: Betfred Championship Preview Round 6 . RFL . 17 March 2022 . 12 January 2024.
  13. Web site: Betfred Challenge Cup Round Five Round-Up . RFL . 13 March 2022 . 10 January 2024.
  14. Web site: Our League to show York double-header this Sunday! . RFL . 16 March 2022 . 12 January 2024.
  15. Web site: Betfred Championship Round Six Round-Up . RFL . 20 March 2022 . 12 January 2024.
  16. Web site: York City Knights and former Salford Red Devils star announces immediate retirement due to injury . Serious About Rugby League . 21 April 2022 . 12 January 2024.
  17. Web site: Betfred Championship Round 7 round-up . RFL . 3 April 2022 . 12 January 2024.
  18. Web site: Betfred Championship Preview Round 9 . RFL . 22 April 2022 . 12 January 2024.
  19. Web site: Betfred Championship Round 11 Preview . RFL . 12 May 2022 . 12 January 2024.
  20. Web site: Betfred Championship Round 12 Preview . RFL . 19 May 2022 . 12 January 2024.
  21. Web site: Betfred Championship Round 12 Round-Up . RFL . 22 May 2022 . 12 January 2024.
  22. Web site: Betfred Championship Round 13 Round-Up . RFL . 2 June 2022 . 12 January 2024.
  23. Web site: Betfred Championship Round 14 Round-Up . RFL . 5 June 2022 . 12 January 2024.
  24. Web site: Betfred Championship Preview Round 16 . RFL . 23 June 2022 . 12 January 2024.
  25. Web site: Betfred Championship Round 16 Round-Up . RFL . 26 June 2022 . 12 January 2024.
  26. Web site: Betfred Championship Round 21 Preview Summer Bash . RFL . 28 July 2022 . 10 January 2024.
  27. Web site: Betfred Championship Round 22 Round-Up Summer Bash . RFL . 21 August 2022 . 10 January 2024.
  28. Web site: York City Knights fall to record 100–4 defeat at Leigh . . 21 August 2022. 10 January 2024.
  29. Web site: Betfred Championship Round-Up Round 27 . RFL . 11 September 2022 . 10 January 2024.
  30. Web site: Betfred Championship Preview Play-Off Eliminators . RFL . 15 September 2022 . 10 January 2024.
  31. Web site: York City Knights upset Halifax in 26–24 play-off victory. . 10 January 2024.
  32. News: York City Knights' play-off run ends in 70–10 loss at Leigh . . 25 September 2022 . 10 January 2024.
  33. Web site: Betfred Championship and League One Awards Nominations . RFL . 12 September 2022 . 10 January 2024.
  34. News: James Ford resigns as York City Knights head coach . The Press . 11 October 2022 . 10 January 2024.
  35. News: James Ford resigns as York City Knights head coach after transformative reign . 10 January 2024 . The Press . 11 October 2022.
  36. Web site: #RiseUp . York RLFC . 14 October 2022 . 10 January 2024.
  37. Web site: Hurricanes make their debut . Midlands Hurricanes . 12 January 2022 . 10 January 2024.
  38. Web site: Cas bag first win of 2022 . Castleford Tigers . 16 January 2022 . 10 January 2024.
  39. Web site: Championship: The encouraging numbers from the opening weekend . Love Rugby League . 3 February 2022 . 10 January 2024.
  40. News: York City Knights knock Newcastle out of Challenge Cup . The Press . 27 February 2022 . 10 January 2024.
  41. News: York City Knights fall to 38-12 defeat at Whitehaven in Cup . The Press . 13 March 2022 . 10 January 2024.
  42. Web site: York land Bradford winger Joe Brown . Love Rugby League . 25 September 2021 . 10 January 2024.
  43. Web site: York City Knights sign Jamie Ellis . RFL . 30 September 2021 . 10 January 2024.
  44. Web site: York snap up former Hull half-back Liam Harris . Love Rugby League . 12 October 2021 . 10 January 2024.
  45. Web site: York coach James Ford delighted to sign London Broncos hooker . Love Rugby League . 14 October 2021 . 10 January 2024.
  46. Web site: Jacob Ogden targets World Cup spot after joining York . Love Rugby League . 15 October 2021 . 10 January 2024.
  47. Web site: York land international winger for 2022 . Love Rugby League . 21 October 2021 . 10 January 2024.
  48. Web site: York sign Masi Matongo . RFL . 22 October 2021 . 10 January 2024.
  49. Web site: York City Knights sign Pauli Pauli . RFL . 25 October 2021 . 10 January 2024.
  50. Web site: From bobsleigh to rugby league: The unusual journey of York's newest recruit . Love Rugby League . 27 October 2021 . 10 January 2024.
  51. Web site: Former Super League centre Jack Logan joins York . Love Rugby League . 13 November 2021 . 10 January 2024.
  52. Web site: Ireland's Ronan Michael joins York on loan . RFL . 23 November 2021 . 10 January 2024.
  53. Web site: Betfred Championship Preview York City Knights . RFL . 31 January 2022 . 10 January 2024.
  54. Web site: Glover joins the Knights . 21 October 2021 . York City Knights . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20211023172045/https://yorkcityknights.com/club/glover-joins-the-knights/ . 23 October 2021.
  55. Web site: "The facilities are second to none" – York's latest signing . Love Rugby League . 18 October 2021 . 10 January 2024.
  56. Web site: Ward signs two-year deal! . York RLFC . 27 January 2023 . 15 January 2024.
  57. Web site: York City Knights sign Levi Edwards on season-long loan . Love Rugby League . 4 March 2022 . 10 January 2024.
  58. Web site: York sign Welsh hopeful from NRL . Love Rugby League . 13 May 2022 . 10 January 2024.
  59. Web site: Ata Hingano joins York on loan from Leigh . RFL . 22 July 2022 . 10 January 2024.
  60. News: York City Knights sign loanee Tom Inman on permanent deal . The Press . 21 July 2022 . 13 June 2024.
  61. News: York City Knights forward James Green to retire at the end of season . The Press . 26 July 2021 . 10 January 2024.
  62. Web site: Jordan Baldwinson signs for Bradford from York . Love Rugby League . 29 September 2021 . 10 January 2024.
  63. Web site: "The time is right" – Ryan Atkins calls time on his career . Love Rugby League . 9 September 2021 . 10 January 2024.
  64. Web site: Danny Washbrook hangs up his boots . Love Rugby League . 10 September 2021 . 10 January 2024.
  65. Web site: York legend Tim Spears to retire at season's end . Love Rugby League . 16 September 2021 . 10 January 2024.
  66. Web site: Morgan Smith over the moon to join his hometown club . Love Rugby League . 21 October 2021 . 10 January 2024.
  67. Web site: Sam Scott signs! . Bradford Bulls . 29 October 2021 . 10 January 2024.
  68. Web site: York utility Jason Bass makes Championship switch . Love Rugby League . 5 November 2021 . 10 January 2024.
  69. Web site: Ben Jones-Bishop finds new club . Love Rugby League . 17 November 2021 . 10 January 2024.
  70. Web site: RL Today: Kieran Dixon future, Catalans dream job & NRL star makes comeback . Love Rugby League . 7 January 2022 . 10 January 2024.
  71. Web site: Leigh confirm signing of Kieran Dixon following trial period . Love Rugby League . 19 January 2022 . 10 January 2024.
  72. Web site: Jack Logan announces end to playing career . Love Rugby League . 26 February 2022 . 10 January 2024.
  73. Web site: Kriss Brining: York City Knights hooker announces retirement . Love Rugby League . 20 April 2022 . 10 January 2024.
  74. Web site: 29 September 2022. Ireland's 24-man Rugby League World Cup 2021 squad. rli.ie. 10 January 2024.
  75. Web site: 28 September 2022. Jamaica name 24-man squad for Rugby League World Cup debut. rljam.com. 10 January 2024.
  76. Web site: 28 September 2022. Scotland World Cup squads revealed. scotlandrl.com. 10 January 2024.
  77. Web site: 3 October 2022. Wales men's squad name for World Cup. wrl.wales. 10 January 2024.