“I’VE never had more fun on a football field than I am now!”

So said York Knights’ Josh Daley ahead of tomorrow’s Betfred Championship Play-off Eliminator at home to Widnes Vikings (3pm).

The hooker has become known for his tough tackling and relentless energy since his move from Mount Pritchard Mounties ahead of the 2023 season.

But it is the defence that is at the heart of head coach Mark Applegarth’s philosophy that is perhaps now bringing him the most enjoyment.

Since his appointment in June, Applegarth has overseen an almighty turnaround that has taken the Knights from the relegation zone to their highest league finish since 2019, and they are one of the division’s form teams heading into the end-of-season play-off series.

Speaking to The Press, the fan favourite reflected: “I think a season of ups and downs is probably a good way to describe it. It’s been tumultuous. 

“We started not dissimilar to last year, a couple of losses on the trot, then we got a really big scalp [against Bradford Bulls], a really good win, and then all of a sudden the wheels fell off again.

“We’ve been a bit of a yo-yo team as Mash says.

“But ever since Mash has come in, there’s been a clarity among the team and all the boys are buying into that mentality of not being a yo-yo team and working hard for each other and just enjoying our footy.

“There’s been times throughout the season with conditions, weather, those sorts of things, where you don’t enjoy it as much.

“But the past couple of months, I’ve never had more fun on a football field than I am now. It’s quite enjoyable and I’m enjoying the challenge of each week.

“I know my game is based around attack, being fast, that sort of thing, but I’ve been really enjoying the defensive side of things lately.”

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A blistering line speed has become characteristic of the Knights’ victories over  top six rivals Sheffield Eagles and Featherstone Rovers over recent weeks, but Daley admits that only works if the person next to you is just as committed.

However, a togetherness and team spirit is something that his side have in abundance.

“As much as people say it back home, especially in the NRL, attack is a major focus still,” Daley explained.

“Yes defence and wrestle is a big thing for a lot of teams, but I feel like here you have to be so good at it because there are a lot of big bodies floating around.

“I think that sometimes, depending on the weather and the ground you’re playing at, it can play into that five drives and a kick. If you don’t have that defensive grit about you, and the bloke next to you, then you’re not going to go very far in the competition!

“Once we figured that out, it was just like ‘now we’ll focus on our contacts and our line speed and everything will work out off the back of that,’ which is good.

“I haven’t seen [line speed so fast] at the club! 

“Back home, in the first three steps you get up as hard as you can and then after that you still want to whack people but you want to more control the play-the-ball.

“Here, you want to hit and wrestle – just fly out and whack him and someone will come with you!

“I’ve really enjoyed it and it’s a new challenge. My body’s a bit sorer because of it, but I’m really enjoying some of the highlights I’m getting out of whacking some people I didn’t really think that I could because of my size.

“Especially lately people seem to run a bit too upright on me, so I’ve been able to get under a few people, which has been nice.”

Daley has embraced Applegarth's defensive philosophy and it's an aspect of his game that is bringing a lot of enjoyment.Daley has embraced Applegarth's defensive philosophy and it's an aspect of his game that is bringing a lot of enjoyment. (Image: Craig Hawkhead Photography) York are high on confidence heading into tomorrow’s Eliminator, the only blot on a perfect record from their last eight matches being last month's 20-4 defeat at runaway League Leaders’ Shield winners Wakefield Trinity.

And they have made plenty of history along the way, not least having secured a first win in Toulouse since 2011, and doing the double over Featherstone for the first time in almost 70 years.

“I know it’s a cliche, but we’ve just taken it week by week, and before we knew it, we’ve knocked off Toulouse, Sheffield and Featherstone twice to get in the top four - how cool is that!

“We’ve got some cool little records this year which has been good to be a part of, especially that Toulouse game.

“I’d never played in Toulouse - I missed it last year through suspension, the first time in my career! But it was nice to go over there and knock them off.

“It’s just a really nice feeling amongst camp, and amongst all the boys. Everyone’s just buying into it - Mash, all the coaching staff, everyone’s doing their part and we’re just here along for the ride.”