YORK Knights’ Sam Cook is likely to miss the remainder of the Betfred Championship season through injury.

Head coach Mark Applegarth expects the Kiwi playmaker to be sidelined for a minimum of six weeks after tweaking his hamstring during the latter stages of last weekend’s 38-18 defeat at Halifax Panthers.

Whilst Cook’s mid-season move from Racing Club Albi was questioned by some supporters, he has proven to be one of their standouts, scoring five tries in six appearances.

However, the 31-year-old, who had ice strapped to his leg following the full-time whistle, is the latest in a string of hamstring injuries as the Knights head into the business end of the Betfred Championship season.

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Skipper Liam Harris, Will Dagger and Ukuma Ta’ai are all sidelined with a similar issue, whilst AJ Towse lost his starting place on the left wing after pulling up during May’s incredible comeback at Swinton Lions.

And the frequency of such injuries is something that is not lost on the club’s management.

“He’s probably going to be out for six weeks at least,” Applegarth admitted of Cook, who narrowly missed out on victory in the French Elite League Grand Final with Albi before joining the Knights.

“It’s a disappointing one is that, I think it’s the fourth hamstring since I’ve been here. We’re doing a bit of work behind the scenes on just why that’s happened.

“But I’m disappointed for Cooky personally, I think he’s been in a real rich vein of form since he’s come in. He’s been a big boost, not only in how he plays the game, but his leadership on and off the field.

“I’m disappointed for him, but Will Dagger’s only now hopefully a week or two away - and touch wood if we don’t get any more injuries, it’s one key loss and another key member coming back.”

Full-back Will Dagger is closing in on his return from a hamstring injury sustained against Doncaster.Full-back Will Dagger is closing in on his return from a hamstring injury sustained against Doncaster. (Image: Craig Hawkhead Photography)

Applegarth had described the Knights’ spine as one of the best in the division following their historic triumph at Featherstone Rovers, but saw it blown apart in just over 40 minutes against fellow play-off chasers Doncaster.

Harris was withdrawn at half time after pulling his hamstring as he went to kick, whilst the extent of Dagger’s injury was not apparent until after the final hooter.

Both have seen their seasons blighted by injury and suspension, but whilst Dagger’s return over the coming weeks is a timely one - with Nikau Williams often having been found out at full-back - Harris has likely played his last minutes of 2024.

“Liam, unfortunately it’s looking like that’s his season,” the Knights boss conceded.

“I might be wrong - he might make the last game or so - but I’m planning for the worst.

“I think we’ve missed Liam massively. He’s our captain and he brings that calming influence to our team.

“But it’s a great opportunity for others to try and fill that void and to learn a bit about leadership and ownership on certain things as well.” 

Applegarth was also able to provide an update on Ta’ai, who had been rolling back the years before injuring his hamstring in their aforementioned win at Featherstone. 

He has started all but one of his 17 appearances in 2024 and his four-try tally is already double the number that he managed under Andrew Henderson last season.

Prop Ukuma Ta'ai's recovery is going well.Prop Ukuma Ta'ai's recovery is going well.

However, whilst the 37-year-old has been named in York’s preliminary squads over the last fortnight, Applegarth insists that whilst he is itching to return to action, he will only do so once he is fully fit.

“He’s going really well is Ukuma,” the Knights boss explained. “But we’ve just got to be smart with him.

“Obviously he is getting a bit older now and when you’re younger, you can probably rush things back and you’ve got time on your side.

“With Ukuma, we’ve got to make sure he’s doing the right thing for himself as well.

“I don’t think he’s far off - hopefully a week to two weeks - but I don’t want to put a time frame on it because he’ll be ready when he knows he’s ready. He’s old enough to know what his body should and shouldn’t feel like.

“We’ve got some key personnel just round the corner, and we’ve got to keep the current key personnel on the field.”