YORK KNIGHTS coach Mark Applegarth is backing winger Brad Ward to bounce back from a hamstring injury which looks set to sideline him until April at the earliest.
The 21-year-old former Heworth junior and Hull KR Academy player enjoyed a bright 2024 campaign, returning from an early-season dual-registration stint at Newcastle (two tries in four games) to score seven in 18 for the Knights, bringing a nomination for the Championship Young Player of the Year award.
Ward, who made his York debut back in 2022 and signed a contract extension in November, was injured during the pre-season victory over Hull KR in Amsterdam.
The damage is worse than first thought, and Applegarth said: “He’s probably out for two or three months.
“I feel for him, but he’ll come back stronger for it. He’ll be a good boost back for us when he’s fit.
“We’ll put an arm round him, show him some support in his rehabilitation, and he’ll be back better than ever.”
York also have new signings, prop Kieran Hudson and hooker Jacques O’Neill, out until April.
