YORK Knights ace Bailey Antrobus has signed a new two-year deal, keeping him at the club until 2025.

Antrobus arrived at the LNER Community Stadium midway through the 2022 season from the NRL’s St George Illawarra Dragons, quickly establishing himself as a regular in James Ford’s side.

He scored three times in 14 appearances as the Knights reached the Betfred Championship Play-off Semi Finals, earning himself a call-up to the Wales squad for the 2021 World Cup.

There, the 23-year-old featured in all three of his nation’s Group Stage matches.
2023 marked a transitional year for the Wollongong-born forward, who mostly plied his trade at prop or in the second row last term.

His powerful carries and no-nonsense approach has seen him become a fan favourite during that time, though injuries have limited him to just 16 appearances this year.

A groin strain saw him ruled out for two months mid-season, whilst a training collision with fellow forward Pauli Pauli ended his season prematurely with a long-term ACL injury in August.

York Press: Antrobus was on the scoresheet as the Knights thrashed West Bowling in the Betfred Challenge Cup in March.Antrobus was on the scoresheet as the Knights thrashed West Bowling in the Betfred Challenge Cup in March. (Image: Craig Hawkhead)

Antrobus had drawn the attention of a number of Betfred Super League clubs prior to that injury, which is likely to keep him out until midway through the 2024 campaign.

The popular forward is currently in his native Australia undergoing rehabilitation with the Dragons, but is looking forward to making his return next year.

“I’m really excited to have signed a new two-year deal,” Antrobus enthused. 

“The last two years here at York have been absolutely great, I’ve loved every second of it.

“It’s hard to put into words how much I’ve enjoyed being around the people there, the players, the coaching staff, everyone behind the scenes and the fans.

“I’m buzzing to be staying here for the next two years and I can’t wait to see where this club can go over the next two years as these are really exciting times.”

Head coach Andrew Henderson described retaining Antrobus' services until 2025 as a "really exciting piece of business."

"Bailey has been a stand-out performer here during his time at the Club and we were really keen to keep him at York," he continued.

“Bailey feels like this is the right place for him at the moment, so I’m really excited to have him on board for next season.

“Bailey is recovering from an ACL injury and we’re really looking forward to having him back on the field when he is fit again and seeing him add some real value at the second-half of next season.

“Having Bailey for an extended period is a really exciting prospect and we can really build the side around players like him moving forward.”

Antrobus becomes the Knights' 22nd confirmed squad member for the 2024 season alongside Jesse Dee, AJ Towse, Ata Hingano, Conor Fitzsimmons, Jordan Thompson, James Cunningham, Myles Harrison, Ronan Michael, Jack Teanby, Ukuma Ta'ai, Pauli Pauli, Harry Price, Brenden Santi, Levi Edwards, Oli Field, Will Dagger and Jimmy Keinhorst, Taylor Pemberton, Nikau Williams and Connor Bailey.