York Knights concluded their inaugural Super League season with a convincing 35-16 victory over the league's lowest‑ranked side, Bradford Bulls, at the LNER Community Stadium. The match also marked a poignant moment for veteran prop Paul Vaughan, who capped his career with a late drop goal before hanging up his boots. The Knights entered the game intent on cementing a respectable tenth‑place finish in their first top‑flight season.
Early drama unfolded when Scott Galeano was shown a yellow card just 13 minutes into the encounter after a dangerous tip tackle on Bradford’s Phoenix Steinwede. The Bulls briefly threatened to capitalize when a potential try for full‑back Caleb Aekins was disallowed after a forward was ruled to have off‑loaded the ball illegally.
Bradford drew first blood in the 17th minute when Ryan Sutton broke through the York defence to score a try, with Chris Atkin adding the conversion. The lead was fleeting; Galeano, returning from the sin‑bin, demonstrated his speed by darting over for York’s opening try, instantly leveling the scores.
Soon after, York’s seasoned winger Ben Jones‑Bishop, who was honoured with a guard of honour ahead of his 400th professional appearance, crossed the line for his second try of the match. Cody Hunter’s successful conversion pushed the home side ahead 12-6. Bradford responded promptly when Riley Dean seized a loose kick and grounded it for a try, narrowing the deficit. However, York reclaimed the initiative before the interval when Toa Mata'afa powered through the middle of the field, scoring a try that sent the Knights into the break with an 18-12 advantage.
The second half began with a setback for York as Bulls prop Ebon Scurr saw his early try overturned for an obstruction. Undeterred, the Knights pressed on and, in the 51st minute, Jesse Dee capitalised on a perfectly timed low kick from Paul McShane, touching down for another York try. Bradford’s hopes of a comeback were further dented when a high ball was mishandled, allowing York’s Xavier Va'a to slide over for a try.
Shortly thereafter, David Nofoaluma exploited another handling error, adding a further score in the 67th minute and extending York’s lead to a comfortable margin. In the dying minutes, Bradford managed a consolation try when Jayden Okunbor crossed the line, but the result was already sealed. To finish his career on a high note, 35‑year‑old Australian prop Paul Vaughan slotted a drop goal, prompting exuberant celebrations from his teammates and the home crowd. The match not only highlighted York's attacking flair but also underscored their defensive resilience, as they limited the Bulls to just two tries despite the early penalty goal.
Vaughan’s farewell drop goal was symbolic, encapsulating a career that spanned over a decade at the highest level and leaving a legacy of professionalism for the younger Knights. Beyond the game itself, the fixture served as a preview for the upcoming playoff schedule, with several high‑profile clashes set for the coming weeks. The Sky Sports lineup includes Leeds Rhinos versus Hull FC, Leigh Leopards against Wakefield Trinity, and a triple‑header featuring Warrington Wolves, St Helens, and Wigan Warriors against their respective opponents. The knockout stages will commence with the first eliminator on Saturday, September 12, followed by subsequent rounds leading up to the Betfred Super League Grand Final slated for 6 p.m.
on the final weekend. York's performance against Bradford will be remembered as a fitting farewell for Vaughan and a statement of intent for a club that, in just one season, has proven it can compete with the league’s established powerhouses.
Their blend of experienced veterans and emerging talent suggests that the Knights are poised to build on this foundation and challenge for higher positions in the next campaign.