Talented teen makes Trinity switch

Talented Glossop youngster Harry Knight has taken the next step in his rugby league career after signing a two-year contract with Betfred Super League side Wakefield Trinity. 

The 17-year-old has been on the radar of several Super League clubs for some time, having impressed during his spell at Warrington Wolves, where he was handed a two-year scholarship aged just 15. 

Knight first caught the eye of Trinity scouts with a stellar performance against Leeds Rhinos during his final game for the Wire’s academy late last year. 

Following two years with the club, Knight decided a change was needed, and Wakefield moved quickly to secure his signature back in January. 

“Choosing Wakefield was an easy decision,” the Gamesley resident told the Chronicle. 

“There were a couple of clubs interested but after meeting the coaches and seeing the facilities, I knew this was the place for me.” 

The club were promoted to the Super League last season after romping to the Championship title and are a club renowned for nurturing young talent, which was a big factor in Knight’s decision to join. 

“The club are great with young players, and they’ve given me a detailed plan for the future. 

“They’ve promised me opportunities going forward and I’ve just got to try and take them. 

“The main thing for me this season is to try and earn my spot in the academy side- I'm excited for the challenge.” 

Moving clubs is not the only change the 17-year-old has had to endure recently either, after switching to a completely new position at the end of last season. 

Knight has played as a half-back for most of his young career, but his new club believe his qualities make him an ideal winger. 

This is something his father Ryan - who also played professional rugby league - saw coming: 

“My dad played as a winger, and he’s always said I’d make a good winger because of my pace and footwork. 

“I played there for the first time against Leeds last season, when the Wakefield scouts were watching, and they couldn’t believe I hadn’t played there before- they see that as being my long-term position. 

“Going forward I just need to try and get used to playing there, it’s tough at times, especially defensively, but I’ve been working hard and watching videos to help me improve in as many ways as I can.” 

In addition to the challenges of adapting to a new position, Knight has also had to deal with the increased intensity of his training. 

“The step up in terms of training has been massive,” the young star told the Chronicle. 

“I’m training four times a week now for three hours at a time against lads who are older than me, and it’s been tough to get used to the physicality.” 

The step up in training has also had an impact on Knight’s personal life. 

After setting his sights on a place at Tameside College, he soon realised this would not be feasible due to his rugby commitments: 

“I wanted to go to college full-time and do joinery, but when I told them I’d have to leave early every day to go to training, they said it wouldn’t work, so I took up barbering instead. 

“It’s a big sacrifice, and my mum wasn’t too happy, but I just couldn’t turn down a two-year contract (with Wakefield).” 

Ahead of the start of the academy season, Knight has featured in numerous friendlies for his new club, with the most notable being a clash with his former club Warrington Wolves earlier this month. 

“It was a great game, but it got a bit fiery towards the end- there's no such thing as a friendly in rugby. 

“It was great to see some of the lads again, although I don’t think some my old coaches were happy to see me!” 

Wakefield kick off their 2024/25 academy season on March 21 against Hull FC, and Knight is keen to make an impression from the off: 

“I want to make that winger spot mine as soon as possible and hopefully try and break into the reserve team once I start playing consistently for the academy. 

“It’s probably a bit soon to be thinking about the first team just yet but you never know. 

“It’s what I’ve always wanted to do growing up (play in the Super League), and I’m going to work so hard to get my opportunity.”