Toa Mata'afa signs new two-year deal to stay with York Knights
York Knights have kept hold of Toa Mata'afa. The full-back has signed a new two-year deal with the Super League club, as reported by BBC Sport on 5 October 2026.
Mata'afa is 29 and plays international rugby for Samoa. He operates at full-back, the last line of defence who fields high kicks and sparks counter-attacks. He has scored 15 tries in 44 appearances for York since joining for the 2025 season.
A try is rugby league's main score, worth four points. His strike-rate tells its own story. He delivers.
York are newcomers to Super League, the top flight of professional rugby league in Britain after earning promotion. The club confirmed his arrival in May ahead of that 2025 campaign in an announcement titled "Mata'afa signs new deal!", according to York RLFC.
His previous step up to a full-time deal for the 2026 Super League season was backed by Squad Builder, the supporters' fund, and confirmed under head coach Mark Applegarth. That backing was detailed in a club post in December 2025.
Life in the top flight has been a sharp education. York lost their first-ever Betfred Super League match 30-20 to Bradford Bulls in June 2026. They pushed Wigan Warriors desperately close in a 23-22 defeat in March, then beat Hull FC 20-16 in July.
For fans, this means continuity. Promoted clubs need players who know the system and the city. Mata'afa offers both, with two full seasons already in York colours and his best years still in front of him.
