York Knights star Brendan O'Hagan set to leave the club

Despite representing Ireland in the World Cup last year, O’Hagan was born in Australia and is reportedly on the verge of returning.

O’Hagan originally joined the Knights in 2021 from NSW Cup side Mount Pritchard Mounties and became a first team regular with York, despite injuries being a repetitive issue.

He has gone on to make 27 appearances so far under former coach James Ford, managing 12 tries and scoring one open field goal, helping secure 49 points.

In International action, O’Hagan has had the opportunity to represent Ireland on three occasions and was named in the 2021 Rugby League World Cup squad.

It will feel like a big blow to new coach Andrew Henderson, who enjoyed a 28-12 victory over Doncaster in his first outing in the dugout, but O’Hagan was nowhere to be seen at the game. 

Henderson will feel confident that one of the likes of Liam Harris, Ata Hingano and Jamie Ellis could potentially replace O’Hagan. 

Standing at five foot eight, the 24-year-old has become something of a fan favourite for the Knights after rugby returned following the covid-19 pandemic.

But after signing a two-year contract extension with the option of an additional year in September 2022, supporters would certainly feel disappointed to lose their man, with the news expected to be confirmed in the coming days.

Nevertheless the Knights won’t be short of options in their squad, with Henderson steadily building their squad ahead of the opening day of the season, with Josh Daley, Ukuma Ta’ai, Jesse Dee, Ronan Michael, Conor Fitzsimmons and Jon Luke Kirby all joining the club in the off-season.

York Knights are back in action for their second pre-season friendly on Sunday, and host fellow Betfred Championship side Batley Bulldogs in what will be Henderson’s final friendly before the season begins against Widnes Vikings on the 5th February (3:00pm) at the LNER Community Stadium.