Knights sign Rhinos' back-rower Oli Field on deal until 2025

Since arriving in North Yorkshire at the end of March, the 20-year-old has established himself as a regular in Andrew Henderson’s side, whether in his preferred role in the second row, or as a half-back when needed.

The back-rower had been a part of the Betfred Super League giants’ youth set-up since 2019, a platform that saw him captain the club’s Under 19 side before going on to represent England at junior level.

Before joining York, Field had previously enjoyed loan spells at the Knights’ Betfred Championship rivals Batley Bulldogs, as well as at Betfred League One outfits Oldham and Cornwall.

He has made five starts for the Knights, including in their thrilling Betfred Challenge Cup triumphs against Sheffield Eagles and Newcastle Thunder, also featuring in their most recent, making the final tackle of their nail-biting 30-28 victory over London Broncos last Sunday.

While Field is yet to score for York, he has proved a valuable addition to the side, and set up centre James Glover to score the Knights’ consolation try in their 16-6 defeat at Halifax Panthers last month.

Oli Field provided an assist for James Glover from half-back at Halifax Panthers last month.

Knights head coach Henderson had been vocal in his wishes to extend Field’s loan to the end of the season and is delighted to have secured his services until 2025.

“I’m really pleased to have signed Oli on a permanent deal,” he enthused.

“We identified Oli as a young player with lots of potential and we had the opportunity to bring him in on loan and have a closer look at him and see where he’s at.

“I’ve been very impressed by him. He’s come into the group and fitted in incredibly well. He’s a good person first and foremost with a good attitude about him.

“And his performances have been really solid for us. Given that he’s not had a huge amount of experience at senior level, he’s acquitted himself really well for us in the games that he’s played.

“I’ve seen a lot of really good qualities in Oli and at 20-years-old, he’s got a bright future ahead of him.

“He’s still in his development stage as a player. Physically he’ll only continue to develop and also from a playing point of view, he’s only going to get better with more exposure at this level.

“Hopefully with the coaching team here, we can get the best out of him.”

It is clear that Field has been enjoying his rugby at the LNER Community Stadium, and he had no hesitation at penning a deal at the Knights.

Field has been a mainstay since linking up with the Knights at the end of March. (Image: Craig Hawkhead)

“When the opportunity came to stay here permanently, until the end of 2025, I jumped at it,” he said.

“I’ve loved it here so far. The team and the set-up here is great.

“I feel like I’ve really settled in here now and hopefully from a personal perspective I kick on now and push towards a big finish at the end of the year.

“For me, the most important thing in my career is playing regularly and Hendo has allowed me to do that here.

“I feel like playing regularly is getting the best out of me as a player and I really want to make the most of the opportunity that I’ve been given.

“There’s a great project in place here and it’s one that I’m really excited to be a part of.

“The Club have got great plans for where they want to go in the future, which was a big part of me wanting to sign here for so long.”

York Knights return to Betfred Championship action against Newcastle Thunder at the LNER Community Stadium on Sunday (3pm), where they will be hoping for a repeat of last month’s Challenge Cup triumph.