YORK Knights have retained the services of outside back Brad Ward for 2025.

The former Heworth youngster enjoyed a breakthrough 2024 season, earning him a nomination for the Championship Young Player of the Year.

Ward first joined the Knights in 2022 after impressing on a trial spell from Hull KR’s academy.

He has had to bide his time during his three seasons at the club so far, spending time at Newcastle Thunder on dual registration earlier this year.

However, with Tom Lineham and AJ Towse injured, he grabbed his chance on the left wing with both hands, scoring six times in Mark Applegarth’s first nine matches.

The 21-year-old finished the campaign with seven tries in 18 appearances for the Knights and two tries in four at Newcastle.

“I really enjoyed working with Wardy this year and I’m glad to be working with him again next year,” Applegarth enthused.

“He’s a player with potential to go all the way in to the next league and the challenge is going to be on him now.

“He had a bit of a break out year last year and his challenge now is to back that up and go even further.

“Again, he’s another really valuable member of the squad and hopefully he’ll nail down that wing spot as his own this year.”