Balmforth will spend the 2026 season at York.
Mark Applegarth believes Denive Balmforth has ‘all the ability in the world’ and is looking forward to working with the Hull FC hooker once again.
Balmforth previously worked with Applegarth in England academy squads, with the player and coach now reunited at York Knights for the 2026 season. The hooker, as first reported by Hull Live, will spend the full year on loan at the Super League newcomers.
As per our original report, Hull have a callback option on the deal, with Balmforth contracted at the Black and Whites until the end of 2028. He remains very much in the club’s long-term plans, having joined from Warrington Wolves back in 2022.
Balmforth has also spent time on loan at Newcastle and at Catalans during his career. He played one game for Swinton, too, and recently, made his first international caps for Wales.
Speaking on the loan addition, Applegarth said: “Denive’s going to add an injection of pace out of nine. I’ve coached Denive in the England programmes coming through the youth ranks and I can’t thank Hull FC enough for letting us have a season-long loan.
“He could be anything he wants to be. He’s got all the ability in the world for his age. I’m really excited about working with him again. I think the York fans will really enjoy watching him play, especially if we get on the front foot.
“Denive’s a great nine to come off the bench and inject some pace and he can’t ask for a better mentor to be learning how to play nine off than Paul McShane. I’m really looking forward to working with him and he’ll be a massive addition to the squad.”