MARK Applegarth reiterated that it would be a ‘catastrophe’ if York Knights were booted out of the Betfred Super League after a single season – and revealed that the club were only planning out their future which includes staying in the top flight.
After a year of chatter and rumours about what the 2027 Super League could look like, York have found themselves amongst the teams tipped to drop out of the top flight for an immediate return to the Betfred Championship.
London Broncos’ outstanding season in the Championship has many backing them to make the step up for 2027, winning 20 from a possible 20 matches so far, meaning that unless there was going to be another extension to the Super League, one team would have to drop out.
But with the Knights and fellow newcomers Toulouse Olympique only receiving half of the funding of their Super League opponents, yet still both teams sit above at least four teams that received the full funding, Applegarth believes it would be the wrong decision to remove them from the top flight already.
Asked about whether the Knights had come up with plans for either scenario, Applegarth said in his press conference this week: “We’re planning as though we’re going to be in the Super League.
“There’s been a hell of a lot of work being done behind-the-scenes, some signings, and we choose to do it differently to a lot of clubs and will remain quiet for the time being.
“What have we got left, six games? I’m full steam ahead as though we’re in the Super League.
“As I’ve said all along, I think it would be an absolute catastrophe and a bit of a backwards leaning move to promote two teams up on half funding, then say ‘right that’s you done, you’re out’.
“We’re working as though we’re on the full salary cap next year, really going for it.
“We’ve punched above our weight, I think Toulouse have too, on our fundings we’ve punched above our weight.
“We also want to get swinging with an equal playing field too.
“It’s not my decision to make, but anyone that has been to York this year can see that it is an absolutely great addition to the Super League, an iconic city in the UK.
“I was chatting to a load of Saints fans on my way out, who were fantastic by the way, and they looked like they were having a great time, staying in York city centre and mixing with the locals.
“What is there not to like about it?”
The Knights sit in tenth heading into this Friday’s visit to Leigh Leopards (8pm), whilst Toulouse, on the same half funding, sit in ninth.
Castleford Tigers, Hull FC, Bradford Bulls and Huddersfield Giants all find themselves below York and Toulouse in the standings, with the latter two teams proving many people wrong in how they have performed this year.
Applegarth was glad to change ‘certain narratives’, saying: “I only really focus on ourselves, but I suppose that if you look at it from a general point of view, it justifies certain narratives.
“I’ve just been pretty boring and focusing on York, on where we need to get.
“We’ve got loads that we need to chase and for where we want to get, I’m just pleased for York mainly.
“We’re just getting started and we feel that we haven’t actually shown our best hand yet.
“We’re glad to be getting this first year out of the way so that the players and staff know what it’s all about, but we don’t want to just come here to make the numbers up, we want to kick on.
“No one is happy with what we’ve done this year, we want to use it as a springboard and really capitalise ourselves up there.”
York’s latest win, a 34-32 victory over Super League heavyweights St Helens, was the most recent big scalp that Applegarth’s side have taken this season.
“I’m glad that we got a win over an established team for the self-belief, but mainly for the point of view of the players,” the head coach said, “it was really important that you get over these hurdles, such as round one and Hull KR.
“You go and beat the champions and it gives you a bit of confidence in what you’re doing, so 100 per cent in that sense.
“When you boil it down, every game is 17 on 17 for every week, so it’s whoever nails their game plan the best.
“I’m pleased in that sense, but it’s week by week.
“I loved Saturday, by Sunday morning after I’ve finished reviewing it, my eyes were firmly on Leigh Leopards.”
Share