What Is The Big Deal About Denive Balmforth Joining York Knights On Loan From Hull FC?

There's some big news coming out of the York Knights camp, and it’s a name that should get people talking. The club has snapped up a seriously talented young hooker, Denive Balmforth, on a season-long loan from Super League giants Hull FC. This isn’t just any signing; it’s a move made possible thanks to the amazing support from the fan-funded Squad Builder scheme.

A rising star is joining the squad, the fans helped make it happen, and it looks like a brilliant bit of business for everyone involved. So what does this actually mean for the Knights this season?

A Massive Addition To The Squad

First things first: how does a loan deal work? Think of it as a player temporarily switching schools for a year to get more game time and experience. Denive Balmforth is still a Hull FC player, his contract runs until 2028, but he’s joining York to play regularly, which is vital for a young hooker’s development.

It’s a win-win: York get a top-quality player, and Denive gets the chance to develop by playing every week. It’s a proper season-long loan, a significant commitment, though Hull FC retain a call-back option if they desperately need him.

Big credit goes to Squad Builder, which continues to help York secure signings they may not otherwise be able to afford. This move sends a clear message: the Knights are serious about strengthening for the season ahead.

So, Who Exactly Is Denive Balmforth?

Denive is a 22-year-old hooker, one of the most influential positions on the pitch. Hookers run the game from the middle, make a ton of tackles, and decide where the ball goes next.

Born in Leeds, he came through the system at Warrington Wolves before joining Hull FC in 2022. He announced himself in style, scoring on his reserves debut. His senior debut arrived shortly after, in April 2022.

Since then, he has:

• Played 30 games for Hull FC
• Scored seven tries for the Black and Whites
• Completed a loan spell at Catalans Dragons in 2024, scoring three tries in 10 games

He’s also an international, having earned his first cap for Wales in October 2025 against Ireland. This is not an untested youngster, this is a serious talent who is already making waves.

What The Gaffer Says

York head coach Mark Applegarth is absolutely buzzing about bringing Denive in. He coached him previously in the England youth pathways, so he knows exactly what he’s getting.

Applegarth said:

“Denive’s going to add an injection of pace out of nine. I’ve coached Denive in the England programmes coming through the youth ranks and I can’t thank Hull FC enough for letting us have a season-long loan.”

That “injection of pace out of nine” is key. It means Balmforth is explosive from dummy half — the kind of hooker who can instantly put defenders under pressure.

Applegarth added:

“He could be anything he wants to be. He’s got all the ability in the world for his age. I think the York fans will really enjoy watching him play, especially if we get on the front foot.”

When the team is dominating, quick hookers like Denive become devastating. It’s a very exciting combination.

A Chance To Learn And Shine

This move is perfect for Balmforth’s development. He’s clearly highly rated at Hull FC, but York offers something he needs right now: regular, meaningful minutes.

And there’s a big bonus, he’ll be learning from Paul McShane, one of the most skilful and experienced hookers in British rugby league.

Applegarth explained:

“Denive’s a great nine to come off the bench and inject some pace, and he can’t ask for a better mentor to learn the position from than Paul McShane.”

This tells us a lot about how York may use him:

• As an impact hooker, coming on when defences are tired
• Or challenging for the starting nine shirt
• Either way, the competition will lift the whole squad

It’s a brilliant environment for growth.

A Big Opportunity For Everyone

This loan move is a win across the board:

• For Denive, it’s a chance to earn regular minutes and develop rapidly.
• For York, it’s a high-quality addition who boosts energy, speed, and creativity.
• For the fans, it’s another signing they directly helped make possible.

As Applegarth summed up:

“I’m really looking forward to working with him, and he’ll be a massive addition to the squad.”

York Knights have secured one of the most exciting young hookers in the game , and the 2026 season just got a whole lot more interesting.