York Knights are closing in on a deal to sign Cameron McInnes, with talks over a move for the 2027 season now well advanced but not yet signed. The 14-cap Australia-born forward has been in discussions with York for a number of weeks, and the club are understood to be pushing to make him their headline marquee addition.
Love Rugby League reported last week that McInnes had already held talks with York about becoming their marquee signing for 2027, and those conversations have continued since. McInnes, who can play at hooker or in the 13 shirt, is one of the most experienced players still in the frame for a move of this kind, and York see him as a potential statement signing as they keep building toward next season and beyond.
The interest in McInnes has not been limited to York. Perth Bears offered him a two-year contract, but talks over a switch to the competition’s newest franchise broke down. Hull FC were also linked with him, only to say they had no interest. Sources in Australia have since suggested Cronulla are now expecting McInnes to move on later this year, adding to the sense that his future is moving away from his current club.
York’s pursuit comes at a time when the club are planning privately for 2027 while trying to hold together Mark Applegarth’s current squad. The Knights have been given only half the central funding of the other Super League clubs this year because they were one of the two extra teams added when the competition was expanded to 14 for 2026, but they will receive full funding next year. A player of McInnes’ profile would be viewed as one of the biggest modern-day signings in the club’s history.
That ambition sits against a tougher present. York lost to Leigh Leopards on Friday, making it five consecutive defeats in Super League, and the club still have uncertainty over the future of hooker Paul McShane and Hull FC loanee Denive Balmforth. Even so, a deal for McInnes would signal where York want to be heading: not just competing in Super League, but building a squad capable of making a much bigger statement in 2027.
