York Knights concluded their inaugural Super League season on a high note, dispatching the league's bottom‑placed side Bradford Bulls 35-16 at the LNER Community Stadium. The match featured a memorable farewell for veteran prop Paul Vaughan, who capped his career with a late drop‑goal as he prepared to hang up his boots. From the outset, the Knights were intent on securing a solid top‑ten finish, aiming for at least tenth place in their first top‑flight campaign. Their early discipline was tested when Scott Galeano was sin‑binned just 13 minutes into the game after a dangerous tip tackle on Bradford’s Phoenix Steinwede.
The Bulls briefly capitalised on the numerical advantage when a potential try for full‑back Caleb Aekins was disallowed following a forward off‑load that broke the line. Bradford struck first blood in the 17th minute when Ryan Sutton broke through the defensive line to score the opening try, with Chris Atkin adding the conversion.
The lead, however, proved fleeting. Galeano, returning from the sin‑bin, demonstrated his speed and agility by darting past the Bulls’ defense and touching down his own try, instantly leveling the scores and shifting momentum back to York. The home side continued to press, and veteran Ben Jones‑Bishop, who was honoured with a guard of honour ahead of his 400th professional appearance, crossed the line for a second Knights try.
Cody Hunter’s reliable conversion pushed York ahead 12-6, establishing a modest but important cushion. Bradford responded with resilience. Riley Dean capitalised on a spilled kick, gathering the ball and grounding it for a try that narrowed the gap. Yet York answered just before the half‑time whistle when Toa Mata'afa exploded down the centre, evading multiple tacklers and sprinting into the in‑goal area.
The try gave the Knights a 18-12 lead at the break, a scoreline they would defend fiercely in the second half. The second period began with a setback for Bradford when prop Ebon Scurr saw his try overturned after officials ruled an obstruction had occurred in the build‑up.
York seized the opportunity to extend their lead on the 51st minute. A clever low kick from Paul McShane found Jesse Dee, who timed his run perfectly and dived over for a clean try. The conversion added another two points, widening the margin to 24-12. Bradford’s woes continued as another high ball was mishandled, allowing York’s centre Xavier Va'a to swoop in and score a try, further increasing the lead.
Shortly thereafter, David Nofoaluma capitalised on a handling error, collecting a loose ball and grounding it for his own try in the 67th minute. By this stage the scoreboard read 35-12 in favour of the Knights. In the closing stages, the Bulls managed a consolation try when Jayden Okunbor powered over the line with five minutes remaining, bringing the final score to 35-16.
The match concluded with a sentimental moment as 35‑year‑old Australian prop Paul Vaughan stepped up to slot a drop‑goal, prompting jubilant celebrations from his teammates and supporters alike. Beyond the York‑Bradford showdown, the evening featured a slate of other Super League fixtures.
Leeds Rhinos hosted Hull FC at 8 p.m. on Sky Sports Mix, while Leigh Leopards took on Wakefield Trinity at the same time on Sky Sports+.
Warrington Wolves faced Toulouse Olympique, St Helens clashed with Hull KR, and Wigan Warriors met Catalans Dragons, all scheduled for 8 p.m. on Sky Sports+ with Wigan’s broadcast beginning with a pre‑show at 7 p.m.
The weekend also set the stage for the upcoming playoff calendar. On Saturday, September 12, Huddersfield Giants travelled to Castleford Tigers for a 3 p.m.
clash on Sky Sports+. Later that night, the first elimination match aired at 8 p.m.
on Sky Sports, where the loser would be knocked out of the competition. The second elimination game is slated for Saturday, September 19, at 5.30 p.m., also on Sky Sports. The semi‑finals follow, with Semi‑Final 1 scheduled for 8 p.m. on Saturday, September 26, and Semi‑Final 2 at 5.30 p.m.
the same day, both broadcast on Sky Sports. The culmination of the season, the Betfred Super League Grand Final, will take place at 6 p.m.
on Sky Sports, marking the climax of a thrilling campaign. York Knights’ comprehensive victory not only secured a respectable league finish but also demonstrated the squad’s depth, resilience, and capacity to perform under pressure. The blend of seasoned veterans like Ben Jones‑Bishop and emerging talents such as Toa Mata'afa bodes well for the club’s future ambitions in the Super League.
With Paul Vaughan’s retirement, the Knights will look to build on this momentum, aiming to challenge for higher honours in the seasons ahead.