TOA MATA’AFA has signed a new two-year deal with York Knights.
The 29-year old Samoan fullback will go into his third season at York in 2027 after joining midway through their 2025 Championship season.
Mata’afa had enjoyed two seasons playing in France up until then, first with Pia and then Lézignan, and had previously been with North Sydney Bears in the New South Wales Cup.
After scoring twelve tries in 19 appearances to help York win the 1895 Cup and Championship League Leaders’ Shield, Mata’ata handled the step up to Super League this year, making 23 appearances along with two in the Challenge Cup, and scoring three more tries.
Mata’afa said: “Extending my time here at York was an easy decision. The excitement around what we’re building here off last season is something I want to be a part of.”
Head coach Mark Applegarth added: “I’m really delighted we got Toa on a two-year extension.
“He started the season on fire then got a really nasty injury with that dislocated elbow. How he came back as early as he did is commendable to Toa.
“Toa can be anything he wants to be. I’m looking forward to working with him.”
