BAILEY ANTROBUS is back in full training for the York Knights after a lengthy anterior cruciate ligament injury.

The York centre has endured a long spell on the sidelines after suffering an ACL injury in training, meaning that he is yet to appear for the Knights in the 2024 season.

However, that long-term absence could soon have an end in sight, with Head Coach Mark Applegarth confirming that Antrobus is back in full training for the Knights.

Applegarth also admitted that there were a few ‘bumps and bruises’ throughout his York squad, but nothing too out of the ordinary with a trip to Halifax Panthers on Sunday (3pm), and provided an update on the fitness of Ata Hingano, who has recently struggled with small knocks that saw his performance against Swinton Lions on Sunday, come to an end early.

“He’s [Antrobus] in full training now,” Applegarth confirmed to the Press.

“It’s important that Bailey knows when he is ready himself, I’m really excited to have him back.

“He looks like Charles Bronson at the moment with that skinhead and moustache!

“He’s chomping at the bit to get back and I am really looking forward to having him back available for selection, I don’t want to put a time frame on it as I want to give him some time to train, some time to get a feel for his body and his confidence.

“When the time is right, we’ll make sure that he gets a run out.

“For Ata, it’s just precautionary, he was carrying a couple of niggles still.


RECOMMENDED READING:


“We kind of fast tracked him back from his previous bump, so we just brought him off as precaution.

“He trained as normal, as long as he gets through this week’s training fine then he should be good for Sunday.

“There’s just the usual at this stage of the year, we’ve got a few bumps and bruises but everyone knows the importance of every game coming up.

“People want to be involved, so it’s a good atmosphere at the moment.

“We’ve just got to make sure that we don’t become complacent and that we carry on chasing those things that improve us.”

Applegarth’s side do still have numerous injuries, one of which is young Hull FC loanee Charlie Severs, who has endured a difficult injury-struck year.

Recent reports from the Hull Daily Mail suggest that Severs’ recent shoulder injury could potentially be career-ending, with Hull Head Coach Simon Grix discussing the York-born talent’s future.

Grix admitted that if Severs could not find a solution for his shoulder injury situation, then he would need to begin considering his long-term future.

Applegarth offered his support to Severs, whilst also admitting that he had not been aware of the reports on the forward’s future.

Applegarth admitted: “It’s the first I’ve heard of it, if I am honest with you.

“I feel for any young kid that’s getting told news like that.

“Charlie has obviously played some games here and definitely everyone at the York Knights will be wishing him all the best, and hope that he comes back from it.

“Hopefully he can carry on playing rugby, because he has got a bright future ahead of him.”

Speaking to the Hull Daily Mail, Grix stated: "We only play this game for a period of time, and we've got a long life to live after it.

"If Charlie can't get his shoulder in the right condition where he can play rugby every week and not be struggling with it, it comes to a time where you've got to make that choice."