EYEBROWS were raised when Cody Hunter made the move to Newcastle Thunder in early January this year.
The former Sunshine Coast Falcons halfback was also listed as a York Knights signing, but with York and Newcastle striking up a unique partnership, Hunter began the 2026 campaign in the Championship with Thunder.
Registering ten tries and three goals in 11 appearances, the 24-year-old impressed that much that York boss Mark Applegarth brought him into the fold at the Knights.
Hunter made his Super League debut earlier this month and impressed again in York’s big win over Toulouse Olympique last weekend.
And at just 24, Applegarth has backed the Australian to develop into a key player for the North Yorkshire club.
“Cody is going to get better and better, he’s a very intelligent rugby league player,” Applegarth said.
“He’s got some composure about him. When he figures out what he can and can’t get away with and how he can set defenders up, he will prove to be a very exciting talent indeed.”