York City Knights land Jamaican flyer Ben Jones-Bishop
He's joining the side from Wakefield Trinity
York City Knights are delighted to announce the coveted signing of international outside back Ben Jones-Bishop from Wakefield Trinity for the 2021 Betfred Championship season.
The 32 year old speedster brings with him a wealth of top flight experience, having played 241 games in an impressive 12 year Super League career. Ben came through the famed Leeds Rhinos Academy and made his first team debut in 2008. He played 82 games for the Rhinos, scoring 56 tries and winning a number of Super League Grand Finals during the Rhinos golden era.
A high profile move to Salford Red Devils followed in 2015, where he made 25 appearances, scoring 16 tries. A year later he moved back to West Yorkshire with Wakefield Trinity, where he has scored 64 tries in 116 games over four seasons.
Ben has also featured at international level with both England Knights and Jamaica, scoring two tries in three games for each side. Hopefully an impressive season with York City Knights will earn him a call up to the ‘Reggae Warriors’ squad for the 2021 Rugby League World Cup this Autumn.
York City Knights Head Coach James Ford said: “I’m very proud to bring Ben to York, his track record as a player and a person are unquestionable. Ben brings an outstanding level of threat to an already talented squad, he also brings with him heaps of experience and leadership.
“Ben has displayed an immense amount of resilience and drive to come back from some serious adversity, I’m confident he will fit in well and further supplement our culture.
“I would like to thank the supporters, squadbuilder, our sponsors, the Knights board and Craig Harrison - Ben’s agent - for helping to make this exciting move a reality.”
Ben Jones-Bishop added: “I’m delighted to sign for the Knights, I’m looking forward to pulling on the shirt of an ambitious club, and I’m excited about the challenge ahead.
“The last 18 months have been good for me mentally. After being out for a long time I had chance to reflect on things, and I wanted the opportunity for a new challenge and to see what was out there. I thought when I came back last season my performances showed I still have plenty to offer.”
“Hopefully I can have a strong season and have a positive impact on the team, and earn a place for Jamaica at the World Cup. There are two games in Leeds and there’s a big Caribbean community in West Yorkshire, so hopefully spectators will be back by then and it’ll be a vibrant atmosphere.
“The domestic game in Jamaica is getting stronger all the time, you can see that when the boys from there come over. They’re playing at a higher standard, and it would be great to be involved with them in a World Cup.