YORK KNIGHTS coach Mark Applegarth has paid tribute to his loose forward Jordan Thompson, who played his 400th career game for the club in Saturday’s defeat to Huddersfield Giants.
Thompson, 34, made his professional debut in 2009 with Castleford Tigers, spending five years at the club before joining Hull FC in 2014, with whom he won the Challenge Cup in 2026 and 2017.
“Anyone who can play 400 first-grade games has had an outstanding career and that definitely fits the bill for Jordy,” said Applegarth of the loose forward, who has also played for Leigh and Leeds.
“He started out at York when I was still playing, which tells you a bit about him. He is an absolute war horse who puts his body on the line every single time that he plays. I’m really happy for Jordy personally and for his family
“On the journey through his career, he’s had some really good highs, some pretty tough lows, and he’s gone through some personal growth and development. The best testament I can give you is that he’s still playing at the highest level and still standing out. He’s been an absolute champion for this club
“I class Jordy as a mate, someone that I know personally as a friend. I’m really proud to see someone do well and achieve something as great as that.
“I’ve been giving Jordy a few things I want him to work on and he knows that he’s still got to nail them.
“The best compliment I can give Jordy is that he knows that his shirt’s never guaranteed, but he goes out there every week and earns it. So I’m privileged to be coaching Jordan, and what a fantastic servant for York Knights he has been.”
Thompson scored the penultimate of the Knights’ tries against Huddersfield, characteristically powering through a gap close to the line.
“I’m disappointed that we couldn’t get that win for Thommo,” admitted Applegarth following the match.
“He’s an absolute servant of this club, and he’ll go down as one of the all-time greats for what he’s given to this club.
“Individually for Thommo it’s a real great milestone, but I know he’ll be just as disappointed as me that some of those standards that we set for ourselves were a mile off today.”