York Knights take recruitment up to full dozen with Penrith Panthers signing.
York have made their latest recruit.
York Knights have signed Penrith Panthers prop John Sagaga. The 21-year-old has come through the Panthers’ development system and is the 12th new recruit by the Yorkshire club ahead of their first-ever Super League campaign in 2026.
A former Australian Schoolboys representative, Sagaga made 11 appearances for Penrith’s New South Wales Cup team and will now try his luck in England. He joins the likes of Ryan Jackson, Denive Balmforth, and Justin Sangare, who have all recently signed with the club.
Elsewhere, York have recruited the likes of Paul Vaughan, Danny Richardson, Josh Griffin, Sam Wood, Matty Foster, Jordan Lipp, Jack Smith, and Jon Bennison, with head coach Mark Applegarth also upgrading some of his 2025 Championship squad to full-time contracts such as Kieran Buchanan.
On his latest signing, Applegarth said: “I’m really excited to work with John. He comes from a really good playing group and culture at Penrith Panthers. We’re hoping he’ll transfer some of the talent he’s shown there into the English Super League. I can’t wait for him to get started.”
On his move to York, Sagaga added: “I’m really excited to be a part of this great club and where it’s heading. 2026 is going to be a very exciting year and I’m looking forward to getting into training and ripping in with the boys.”
