Ex-Leeds Rhinos trio re-sign for Super League newcomers: also played at Castleford Tigers & Wakefield Trinity
Three former Leeds Rhinos players have agreed new deals which will see them return to the top-flight with York Knights next year.
Outside-back Ben Jones-Bishop, hooker Paul McShane and forward Jordan Thompson were key figures last season when Knights topped the Betfred Championship and won the 1895 Cup. Though they lost to Toulouse Olympique in the second tier Grand Final and finished 14th on the club grading table, Knights were chosen for promotion through an application process - along with their French rivals - as Super League expands to 14 clubs in 2026.
Jamaican International Jones-Bishop began his career with Rhinos and played in their 2011 and 2012 Super League title wins. Also a World Club champion, he topped the Championship try-scoring chart this year, with 29.
He last played in the top-flight five years ago, for Wakefield Trinity and said: “The club’s standards and willingness to be successful have allowed me to perform at a level I’m happy with. I’m excited to continue that and play a part in the club’s progression into Super League.”
Coach Mark Applegarth is confident the 37-year-old can still thrive at the top level. He stated: “I know he’s maturing now, but he has got some quality rugby left in him, as he has shown this year. He’s just the quiet professional in terms of how he goes about his business on the field. He’s like a fine wine.”
Reigning Championship player of the year McShane is also a Rhinos academy product and had a spell with Wakefield before moving to Castleford Tigers. A Grand Final runner-up in 2017, he was Man of Steel three years later and joined York 12 months ago after stepping down from the full-time game.
The 35-year-old said: “I’m really happy to have re-signed with the club and be part of its history. I didn’t expect to play Super League again, but am looking forward to the challenge ahead of us.”
Applegarth insisted: “He has 100 per cent got another year in him. He has been in outstanding form this year and he’s a real leader by action, not just words. I’m over the moon we’ve got a player of that calibre.”
Thompson, 34, boasts top-flight experience with Castleford, Hull FC, Leeds and Leigh and has made more than 125 appearances for York, being named players’ player of the year in 2025.
Applegarth enthused: “Jordy is one of our leaders on and off the field. He’s a real quality player. He has been the leader of our pack for a number of years now and I’m sure he will be for a few more years yet.”