YORK Knights have confirmed their first signing under Mark Applegarth, bringing in NRL star Sam Cook on a one-year deal. 

Cook makes the move to the Knights having previously featured for the Mackay Cutters, the New Zealand Warriors, Newcastle Knights and France's Racing Club Albi XIII.

Able to operate in the hooker position, Cook began his NRL journey in 2013 with the New Zealand Warriors, playing in the under-20's Holding Cup.

The 30-year-old would feature for the Warriors' Auckland Nines team, going on to make 82 appearances in the New South Wales Cup, 72 of which were for the Warriors, four for the Newcastle Knights.

His professional debut for the New Zealand Warriors saw him make two appearances at the beginning of the 2018 campaign.

In mid-2019, Cook went onto sign for the Mackay Cutters to play in the Queensland Cup, making 14 appearances for the club, 10 starting off the bench and three from starting line up as a halfback. 

Cook would then join French outfit Racing Club Albi XIII in September 2022, playing in France's Elite One competition. 

Newcomer Cook shared his thoughts on the move, saying: "I'd only ever heard good things, about the team, the Club and the City. 

"When the opportunity came up, I was keen to jump at it and give it a red hot crack. 

"It's such a new experience for me as well. 

"I've played footy (rugby) in New Zealand and Australia as well and then having the opportunity to play footy in France to then getting to go even further from home to the UK is such fantastic opportunity."

The 30-year-old is confident that his experience can help the squad after signing under Applegarth, explaining: "I want to bring my experience and leadership to the team and a cool calm head to help the leaders and the team out. 

"I'm pretty big on communication as well, that's one of my real strengths. 

"Hopefully I can bring all my positive attributes to the team, give the boys a bit of confidence and help out the young players as well."

Cook also has previous time playing alongside both Ata Hingano and Jesse Dee.

"It's been almost ten years since I played alongside Ata (Hingano) in the New South Wales Cup in the Reserve Grade for the Warriors so to be able to go out there and play footy with him again is really exciting for me," Cook explained. 

"Also to finally be able to play alongside Jesse Dee after spending a couple of years crossing each other's paths in Mackay. 

"I'm really looking forward to meeting the rest of the team."

Chairman Clint Goodchild has enjoyed a busy week with the Knights, after announcing on Wednesday evening that Andrew Henderson would be transitioning from his role as Head Coach to Head of Rugby Operations and Development. 

Former Wakefield Trinity Head Coach Applegarth was immediately instated in the vacant position left by Henderson, with the announcement of a York RLFC academy set to launch in 2026 also revealed.

Goodchild was 'excited' to bring in a player of Cook's calibre, enthusing: "We're excited to add Sam to the squad. 

"He brings experience, presence and versatility.

"I have no doubt he will have a positive impact on the group as we prepare for the second half of the season."

Cook could make his Knights debut in York's trip to Dewsbury Rams on Sunday, June 16 (3pm) in Applegarth's first match as Head Coach.