York have further strengthened their squad ahead of their maiden Super League season with the addition of Penrith Panthers young gun John Sagaga.
21-year-old Sagaga is a product of Penrith‘s youth system, and made his reserves debut back in 2023.
The prop joins the club on a one-year deal for 2026 becomes the 12th new recruit snapped up by Mark Applegarth ahead of the new season.
He follows on from Paul Vaughan, Josh Griffin, Jordan Lipp, Sam Wood, Justin Sangare, Jon Bennison, Jack Smith, Danny Richardson, Matty Foster, Ryan Jackson and Denive Balmforth.
York Knights bolster ranks as John Sagaga joins for 2026
Sagaga – who represented the Australian Schoolboys in his youth – has 11 New South Wales Cup appearances on his CV, and has also featured in pre-season fixtures against both Manly Sea Eagles and Canberra Raiders at the start of this year.
The forward did not register an NRL appearance during his time with the Panthers though, so his debut for York will also mark his first-grade bow.
As the Knights announced his arrival, Sagaga said: “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.”
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York RLFC have signed international forward, John Sagaga for 2026, thanks to support from Squad Builder!
The 21-year-old Australian prop joins from Penrith Panthers, where he has come through the development system.
?? Head Coach, Mark Applegarth… pic.twitter.com/LybSTX7ly1
— York RLFC Knights (@YorkRLFC) November 12, 2025
Head coach Applegarth added: “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 Super League.
“I can’t wait for him to get started.”
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