'Something I've wanted to do for a long time': Paul McShane joins York Knights in dual role
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The veteran hooker had been expected to move to Australia following his departure from Castleford Tigers but will instead remain in Yorkshire in a dual role.
As well as providing experience as part of the playing squad at York, the 34-year-old will work alongside Mark Applegarth and the coaching staff.
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Hide AdMcShane, who began his career at Leeds Rhinos before a spell with Wakefield Trinity, was a key member of the Castleford team that reached the Super League Grand Final in 2017 after claiming the League Leaders' Shield.
The Leeds native won the Man of Steel award in 2020 and represented England the following year.
McShane joins a club on the up after an unexpected fourth-place finish for York under Applegarth.
"It's really exciting," said McShane, who has coaching experience at amateur level with Hunslet Club Parkside.
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Hide Ad"It's a new challenge and the role I'm going into is something I've wanted to do for a long time.


"It's a great opportunity at a good club, with a good team and a good coaching set-up already in place.
"They're ambitious and want to push for Super League. If I can play a part in that, that'll be great."
The Knights were in relegation danger when Applegarth took over in June but will be among the Grand Final contenders in 2025 following a remarkable run to the semi-finals of the play-offs.
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Hide AdApplegarth expects McShane to have a big say in his primary role as a leader on the field.


"I’m really delighted to have Paul on board," said the York boss.
"I'm really looking forward to working with him and helping get him started on his professional coaching journey as well.
"First and foremost, we’ve signed him as a player. He’s still got some quality years ahead of him.
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Hide Ad"He’s been there and done it all in terms of what he’s achieved in his role at Castleford.
"He’ll add a lot of leadership to the team. He’ll be a mentor for a lot of our younger players.
"He also knows the standard needed to achieve at top-level rugby, so I’m absolutely delighted to have Paul on board."
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