YORK Knights have revealed their squad numbers for 2025 – with marquee signing Paul McShane set to start at hooker.

The former Man of Steel takes over the number nine shirt from Will Jubb, who became the club’s second-highest appearance-maker before joining Featherstone Rovers at the end of last year.

Arriving at York in a dual player/coach role, McShane’s experience will prove invaluable for Mark Applegarth’s side, who lost the services of both Josh Daley and James Cunningham following the conclusion of the 2024 campaign.

Both young talent Taylor Pemberton (14) and Sam Cook (19) seem set to be among the interchange options, whilst Jacques O’Neill (22) will also hope for game time at hooker as he looks to restart his career after injury.

Jacques O'Neill will look to restart his career with the Knights. (Image: Craig Hawkhead Photography) The surprise package is perhaps Joe Law, who takes over the number four shirt from Jimmy Keinhorst for his full debut season with the Knights.

Arriving at the end of July on loan from Wakefield Trinity, the 20-year-old made his move permanent ahead of 2025, and will join fellow new recruit Kieran Buchanan (3) in the centres.

Myles Harrison (26), Jude Ferreira (29) and Mac Walsh (30) will offer competition in the position, as will Levi Edwards (23) as he looks to play his first competitive minutes in almost two years after an ACL injury.

Centre Levi Edwards is back in pre-season training after a lengthy ACL injury layoff. (Image: Craig Hawkhead Photography) 2025 also sees a promotion for Brad Ward, who swaps the number 28 shirt for five, taking over the left-wing mantle from fellow Heworth youngster AJ Towse following his off-season move to Leigh Leopards.

There is a change in the second row, with Jesse Dee swapping his three shirt for 11, held by Oli Field (20) in 2024. Connor Bailey retains his 12 shirt after an impressive debut season last time out, whilst rising talent Harvey Reynolds will wear 24.

Skipper Liam Harris will remain in the seven shirt, whilst regular half-back partner, 2024 Player of the Year, Ata Hingano swaps 22 for the number six vacated by Richie Myler.

Captain Liam Harris retains his seven shirt, whilst half-back partner Ata Hingano will wear six. (Image: Craig Hawkhead Photography) Will Dagger (1) and 2024 top-scorer Joe Brown (2) also keep their numbers from 2024, as does Championship Player of the Year nominee Jordan Thompson (13).

Prop Brenden Santi sees a promotion to the 10 shirt, as does Jack Martin, who will wear eight for his first full season at the club. They replace veteran Ukuma Ta’ai and Conor Fitzsimmons, who will instead wear 21 and 17.

Jack Teanby will again wear 15, reflecting his regular role as an impact substitute, whilst Jacob Gannon, Bailey Antrobus, Kieran Hudson and Jack Brown will wear shirts 16, 25, 31 and 32 respectively.

YORK KNIGHTS’ 2025 SQUAD NUMBERS:

1. Will Dagger

2. Joe Brown

3. Kieran Buchanan

4. Joe Law

5. Brad Ward

6. Ata Hingano

7. Liam Harris

8. Jack Martin

9. Paul McShane

10. Brenden Santi

11. Jesse Dee

12. Connor Bailey

13. Jordan Thompson

14. Taylor Pemberton

15. Jack Teanby

16. Jacob Gannon

17. Ukuma Ta’ai

18. For the Fans

19. Sam Cook

20. Oli Field

21. Conor Fitzsimmons

22. Jacques O’Neill

23. Levi Edwards

24. Harvey Reynolds

25. Bailey Antrobus

26. Myles Harrison

27. James Farrar

28. Jack Potter

29. Jude Ferreira

30. Mac Walsh

31. Kieran Hudson

32. Jack Brown