YORK Knights see plenty of potential in Will Roberts after tying down the young halfback on a two-year deal.
Roberts, 21, joined York ahead of the 2026 season from St Helens, but caught the eye for partners Newcastle, scoring 20 tries and kicking 33 goals in 24 appearances as they earned a second-placed Championship finish and reached the play-off semi-final.
With skipper Liam Harris ruled out though injury, he was given his chance with the Knights during the early part of the season, making an instant impact with a try on his debut in the Easter defeat at Huddersfield Giants.
The emerging talent went on to feature twice more for the club in Super League last season, in back-to-back appearances against Castleford Tigers and Catalans Dragons.
“I’ve loved my first year here and I can’t wait for what the next couple of seasons will bring,” said Roberts, who won the Academy Championship with Saints in 2023 after having progressed through their youth set-up.
Head coach Mark Applegarth believes Roberts has all the attributes to establish himself in Super League.
“I’m really excited for Will,” he said of the halfback, who also featured on loan for Swinton Lions, Rochdale Hornets and Widnes Vikings prior to joining York,
“He obviously got a bit of a taste of Super League last year and we’ll carry on working with him in terms of his physical development.
“But, he’s got an excellent kicking game, a real composed level head on him and a great passing ability and he’s a competitor.
“He had a fantastic year at Newcastle and he really made their team tick.
“I’m sure over the next two years he’ll really embed himself in Super League and show everyone how good he is.”
