JOSH Daley is the latest player to pen a one-year deal to stay at York Knights for 2024.

The Australian made the move to the LNER Community Stadium from NSW Cup side Mount Pritchard Mounties ahead of the 2023 season, and has certainly made an impression.

Primarily a hooker, Daley has displayed his versatility throughout the season, notably deputising at half-back amid an injury crisis that saw first-choice pairing Ata Hingano and Liam Harris injured for large parts of the season.

He played 10 times for Andrew Henderson’s side in the halves, including twice against now-Betfred Super League club London Broncos and League Leader’s Shield winners Featherstone Rovers, and against Leigh Leopards in the sides’ Betfred Challenge Cup Quarter Final in June.

But in the opportunities that he has been utilised from the bench in his preferred position, he has proved an impactful interchange for both Will Jubb and Taylor Pemberton.

Daley scored four tries in 24 appearances for York side this year, despite being twice sidelined with a PCL knee injury sustained in their rout of Keighley Cougars in July, and is raring to go for 2024.

“I’m really excited to be staying here at the York Knights for another year,” he enthused.

“I’ve absolutely loved my time here, last year was one of my favourite seasons in rugby league, so I very keen to go around again.

“2023 was a really enjoyable year and helped me to develop lots of different skills - I haven’t played as much at half-back since I was a kid! 

“We had a next man up mentality and the boys really bought into that. I think that showed towards the end of the season to reach the Play-offs. 

“We’re really hopeful that we can build on that form in 2024!”

Henderson is delighted to have retained the 27-year-old’s services for another year, admitting that he had tried to sign the interchange hooker whilst at former employers Keighley Cougars.

“I’m really pleased to have been able to retain Josh. When I was at Keighley, I looked to bring Josh to the Cougars, but unfortunately we lost out to York! 

“When I joined the Knights, I was really looking forward to the opportunity to work with Josh. 

“Once Josh found his feet here in our environment, having made the move to the UK, I really thought we saw some really good quality performances from him, even when covering for us at half-back.

“Josh brings a lot of genuine attacking threat around the ruck, and is certainly a player that I’m delighted we were able to retain him for 2024!”

Daley becomes the Knights’ 15th confirmed squad member for the 2024 season alongside Jesse Dee, AJ Towse, Ata Hingano, Conor Fitzsimmons, Jordan Thompson, James Cunningham, Ronan Michael, Jack Teanby, Ukuma Ta’ai, Pauli Pauli, Levi Edwards, Oli Field, Will Dagger and Jimmy Keinhorst.