Joe Brown deserves to be in spotlight after York Knights milestone

Brown made his 100th Knights appearance as the club swept aside Widnes in the 1895 Cup quarter-finals before marking his 150th career hit-out with a try at Featherstone on Good Friday.

Since joining the club from Bradford Bulls in 2022, he has been a mainstay, whether on the right wing or deputising at full-back.

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Though he was York’s top scorer with 19 tries in 32 appearances last year, he is a player who largely flies under the radar, with Applegarth pleased to see him getting the recognition he deserves.

Speaking to The Press, the Knights boss admitted: “I think he does go under the radar for us. 

“He’s joined the 100 Club in York colours and it’s also recently been his 150th appearance. 

“He’s one of those players that goes under the radar so I’m really glad that he’s getting a bit of recognition for his achievements because he’s an absolute champion guy.

“He’s a really good professional, a massive addition to us, and he’s got really high standards for himself and those around him. I’m really glad he’s in our team.”

Brown opened the scoring on his 150th career appearance as the Knights fell to a 24-22 defeat at Featherstone on Good Friday. (Image: Craig Hawkhead Photography) At 26, Brown is coming into the peak of his career, and Applegarth predicts he will more than double his appearances to date before he hangs up his boots.

“He’s definitely a role model,” he continued. “Browny’s still coming into the peak of his career himself.

“He’s been in some cracking environments; he’s a massive addition to our environment and our culture and he speaks a lot of sense when he does speak.

“I’m really chuffed for Browny that he’s hit his 150th, and I really wouldn’t be surprised if he’s one of those players that goes on and plays a solid 300 or 400 games.”