In a remarkable transfer that exemplifies the ongoing trend of players moving from Super League to Championship teams, forward Brenden Santi, who has earned 15 international caps, has recently joined Newcastle Thunder. This move marks yet another chapter in the well-trodden path that several athletes have embarked upon this off-season, specifically transitioning from the York Knights to Newcastle Thunder.
Brenden Santi's departure from the York Knights came after he was left without a contract, although no official statement had been released regarding his future with the club. Notably, he was absent from the squad number announcement made earlier this week, which effectively signaled his exit from York.
Now, with an official confirmation from Newcastle Thunder, Santi becomes the seventh player to leave York Knights since their promotion to the Super League and join the Championship side. This influx of talent is part of Newcastle's ambitious strategy to reinforce their squad ahead of the upcoming season.
Having begun his career in England with Newcastle Thunder, Santi will find himself among familiar faces at the club. Players such as Bailey Antrobus, Sam Cook, Jude Ferreira, Myles Harrison, Joe Law, and Brad Ward have all made the same decision to leave York ahead of their 2026 Super League campaign, opting to play for Thunder.
The 32-year-old forward first joined Newcastle back in 2020, where he played only five matches before moving on to Keighley and subsequently the York Knights. During his time with the Cougars, he made 47 appearances, followed by an impressive 67 matches with the Knights. Now returning to Newcastle, Santi brings a wealth of experience that will undoubtedly benefit Graham Steadman’s team.
In their official announcement, Newcastle emphasized the significance of Santi's return, stating that his extensive experience adds a valuable asset to the squad as they aim to solidify their position in the second tier of English rugby. Coach Graham Steadman expressed that Santi's background, which includes time in the NRL with Wests Tigers, along with his crucial roles across League One and the Championship, will be instrumental for the club as they strive for consistency and competitiveness in the upcoming season.
For those interested in more updates, be sure to check out the latest episode of The Serious About Rugby League Show on our YouTube channel. You can find the announcement about Santi's return on Newcastle Thunder's official Twitter page.
