Legendary Careers That Led to Phillippo and Sullivan Inducted into York RLFC Hall of Fame

Every sports club has them. The names people mention with a bit of a hush, the players whose stories get passed down through generations of fans. They're the legends. And for a club with as much history as York RLFC, there are plenty of tales to tell. Recently, the club added two more massive names to its official list of greats, welcoming Peter Phillippo and Adam Sullivan into the prestigious York RLFC Hall of Fame. The special induction event took place at a dinner on Friday, 6th February 2026, held at the stunning Merchant Adventurers Hall in York, creating another memorable night in the club's long history.

So, what's a hall of fame all about?

Think of a Hall of Fame as the ultimate honour a club can give to its former players. It’s a way of saying, "You were one of the absolute best, and your story is a huge part of our story." The York RLFC Hall of Fame is exactly that. It was kicked off back in 2013 by the Knights Supporters Society, a group of dedicated fans who wanted to make sure the club's amazing heritage was properly celebrated. And what a heritage it is.

The club has been around since 1868, so you can imagine the number of incredible players and moments that have happened over the years. The Hall of Fame is a special project that highlights the very best of York rugby league. This important event is a true partnership between the club and the fans, with massive support from the Knights Supporters Society, making sure the history of the Knights is never forgotten. It’s all about recognising the players who made a real difference.

Meet Peter Phillippo, a legend from the 80s

Let's rewind a bit to the 1980s. Peter Phillippo was a star for the club, playing as a hooker. He pulled on the famous jersey an incredible 154 times between 1981 and 1987. During his time, the team had some fantastic successes. He was a key part of the squad that won the 2nd Division Championship in the 1980/81 season. Imagine the scenes. He also featured in the epic 1983/84 Challenge Cup run that saw the York team battle all the way to the semi-finals.

But perhaps his biggest achievement was helping the side earn promotion to Division 1 in 1984/85. This was massive. In fact, that was the last York team to play in the top flight of the rugby league until the current squad’s recent promotion to the Betfred Super League. To mark his entry into this exclusive group of players, Phillippo was presented with his special Hall of Fame jacket by his old teammate, Graham Steadman, who is already a member. Being inducted is a huge moment, cementing his legacy in the club’s story.

And here’s Adam Sullivan, a modern-era hero

Jumping forward to a more recent era, we have Adam Sullivan. A powerful prop forward, Sullivan was a force to be reckoned with. He first joined York from Hull KR in 2004 and went on to make a whopping 197 appearances for the Knights. He played in two different spells, from 2004 to 2009 and again from 2012 to 2013, showing his commitment to the club before an injury unfortunately cut his career short. Sullivan was known as a strong, hard-working player who always gave his all.

He was a cornerstone of the team that won the National League Two title in 2005, a victory that earned the Knights their first promotion since the club was re-formed in 2002. Fans still talk about one particular game during that promotion year. The team was playing away at Keighley and things weren't going well, but a barnstorming performance from Sullivan completely turned the game around and kick-started an unbelievable comeback win. That’s the stuff of legends. His jacket was presented by another former teammate and Hall of Fame member, Mark Cain.

Who gets to choose the legends?

Getting into the Hall of Fame isn't easy, and the decision isn't made by just one person. A special committee is put together to choose who gets the nod. This group is made up of members from the Knights Supporters Society, which means the fans have a real say. It also includes former players, who know exactly what it takes to succeed at the top level of the rugby league.

Finally, the committee includes respected journalists who have watched and written about the club for years. This mix of people ensures that only the most deserving players are inducted. The selection of Phillippo and Sullivan shows the committee's dedication to honouring players from different, but equally important, eras of the club's history. It’s a process built on respect for the club’s past.

A growing list of York RLFC greats

With Peter Phillippo and Adam Sullivan now officially inducted, the York RLFC Hall of Fame has grown to include 30 incredible players. They join a list of absolute giants of the sport who have represented the city of York with pride. This includes names that are famous throughout the world of rugby league, like the brilliant Geoff Pryce, the skilful Graham Steadman, and the tough-as-nails Willie Hargreaves. Being on that list puts the two new members in truly elite company.

The whole Hall of Fame event is a brilliant celebration, run by York RLFC with the vital support and partnership of the Knights Supporters Society. It’s a powerful way to look back and celebrate the club's rich heritage and history, ensuring that the stories of these amazing players will continue to inspire fans and future Knights for many years to come.