WILL Jubb, Josh Daley, Nikau Williams, Ronan Michael and AJ Towse have all departed York Knights following yesterday’s Betfred Championship Play-off Semi-Final defeat at Wakefield Trinity.

The Knights had twice led the runaway League Leaders’ Shield winners at the DIY Kitchens Stadium, but late tries from Derell Olpherts and Iain Thornley ultimately put a first Grand Final appearance out of their reach.

Head coach Mark Applegarth paid tribute to the club’s departing players following the final hooter, saying: “They’ve been outstanding.

“I don’t want to single one of them out because I don’t want the others thinking anything of it, but I think they’ve all been great, and we wish them all the best moving forward.

“Some of them are genuine club legends, I think Jubby is second on the all-time appearance list now.

“But these times come, and they leave with everyone at York Knights’ best wishes and we wish them well for the future – just the lads that are still in England not too well when they play against York!”

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Hooker Jubb was one of York’s longest-serving players, having become the club’s second-highest appearance maker against Whitehaven in September.

First joining on dual registration from Betfred Super League heavyweights Hull KR in 2017, his 176 appearances for the club now leave him only behind Hall of Fame inductee Mark Cain.

An ever dependable at nine, he was an integral part of the sides that won the Betfred League One title and finished third in the Championship in 2018 and 2019 respectively.

Widely expected to join Championship rivals Featherstone Rovers for 2025, Jubb scored 30 tries and kicked one goal – in his history-making match at Whitehaven – during his time with the Knights.

Will Jubb leaves the Knights having become their second-highest appearance maker.Will Jubb leaves the Knights having become their second-highest appearance maker. (Image: Craig Hawkhead Photography) Fellow hooker Daley will return to his native Australia after two successful seasons in North Yorkshire.

Since arriving from Mount Pritchard Mounties ahead of the 2023 season, he has become a fan favourite thanks to his dynamism, hard hitting tackles, and tireless performances.

He was even forced to play at half-back during the Knights’ injury crisis last year, but proved an able stand-in, including against Leigh Leopards in the Betfred Challenge Cup quarter final.

He ends his time at the Knights having scored 11 tries in 54 appearances.

Utility back Nikau Williams has been a revelation under Applegarth after his move from Newcastle Thunder.Utility back Nikau Williams has been a revelation under Applegarth after his move from Newcastle Thunder. (Image: Craig Hawkhead Photography) Kiwi playmaker Williams will also head back Down Under after a single season with the club.

One of several players signed from dual registration partners Newcastle Thunder ahead of the campaign, his versatility has proved invaluable for Applegarth’s side.

He has featured at his preferred half-back, full-back and at centre for the Knights this term, with his performances only improving across the course of the season.

In the absences of regular goal-kickers Will Dagger and Liam Harris, he scored 10 tries, 32 goals and one drop-goal across 25 appearances.

Prop Michael departs to join Championship rivals Bradford Bulls, where he will reunite with Eamon O’Carroll.

The Irish international, another to become a fan favourite over three years at the club, first joined the Knights on loan from Huddersfield Giants in 2022 before going on to make his stay permanent.

Applegarth had been keen to retain the services of the 24-year-old – who has scored five times in 70 appearances - but respected his decision to move to Odsal.

Prop Ronan Michael will remain in the Championship with Bradford Bulls.Prop Ronan Michael will remain in the Championship with Bradford Bulls. (Image: Craig Hawkhead Photography) Homegrown talent Towse will make the step up to Super League with Leigh for 2025 and beyond.

One of the Championship’s hottest young prospects, the 21-year-old came through the junior ranks at NCL outfit Heworth before making his Knights debut in 2021.

Firmly breaking into the side, his performances earned him nominations for the Championship Young Player of the Year in both 2022 and 2023.

He was an ever-present as he finished the 2023 season as the club’s top try-scorer but struggled for a similar run of games this year, even spending time at Newcastle in the season’s opening months.

His final appearance came at Widnes in September, after which he sustained a delayed concussion.

The young winger leaves the Knights with a fine record of 35 tries in 67 appearances.