YORK Knights boss Mark Applegarth is “gutted” to lose prop Ronan Michael to rivals Bradford Bulls at the end of the season.

The Irish forward has penned a two-year contract at Odsal, where he will reunite with Eamon O’Carroll, who he first worked alongside as a teenager.

Michael first joined the Knights on loan from Betfred Super League side Huddersfield Giants before making his move permanent in 2022. 

Since, he has scored five times in 65 appearances and has become a firm fan favourite at the LNER Community Stadium.

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“I’m gutted he’s leaving,” Applegarth admitted.

“I really like him as a player, He’s the sort of player that, as a coach, you want to work with because given time, he can make that step back up to the Super League.

“There’s obviously other factors that go into them moves and that’s the business side of the game. 

“We’re gutted that we’re losing him, but also, I know that he’s going to do a stint for us until the end of the year and he’ll leave with everyone at York’s best blessings not only for what he does on the field, but he’s a champion person off it. He’s a massive part of our squad.

“I’m gutted he’s leaving, but that’s just the business side of the sport.”

Michael has flourished under Applegarth, starting each of the Knights' last six matches after primarily featuring off the bench under Andrew Henderson.

The Knights boss though reassured supporters that the club would be working behind the scenes to recruit players for 2025 and beyond.

“There’s a load of players that I could identify, it’s just whether they fit into all the other constraints as well,” he explained.

“That’s just the nature of the beast. It’s a short career for players and they’ve got to make sure it’s the right move for them as well.

“We’ll be working to identify a replacement, but it’s a blow for us.”