Balmforth played a key part in York’s win over Hull FC.
Denive Balmforth is on a season long loan at York Knights. (Image: SW PIX)
The future of Hull FC hooker Denive Balmforth is up in the air after Andy Last gave no firm answer when asked about the club’s long-term plans for the player.
The 22-year-old is on a season-long loan at the Knights and played against his parent club on Thursday night – scoring a key second-half try in the 20-16 victory at LNER Community Stadium. He is contracted at the Black and Whites for another two years, with his current deal expiring at the end of the 2028 season.
However, his future has been suggested to be away from the MKM Stadium with Last not confirming either way whether the player will be at the club next year.
“That’s a question for Richie Myler,” Last said when asked as much post-match. “It’s not one for me.”
Meanwhile, York coach Mark Applegarth has stated his desire for the Knights to make Balmforth’s loan move permanent for next season and beyond – but stopped short of suggesting any play to make that a reality is underway.
Balmforth signed a three-year deal at Hull on top of his 2025 contract – and spent part of last season on loan at Catalans Dragons before finishing the season at his parent club.
Of course, Hull have signed Catalans hooker Alrix Da Costa for the 2027 season, with Amir Bourouh contracted for another year. They also have Will Hutchinson on the books.
Balmforth is seemingly on the fringes of Hull’s thinking, despite remaining a popular player with fans.
Asked by Hull Live if there’s any scope to make that loan move permanent for next year, Applegarth said: “I’m very respectful that he is a Hull FC player still. Would I like Denive? 100%, I would. I love the kid to bits.
“I’ve got a lot of history with Denive. I’ve known him since he was 16 years old. And he knows me. I think I can really help develop his game and I think he trusts me to develop his game.
“But again, I’m very respectful of Hull FC and until they say that there is any movement there, then I’d rather not comment on it just out of respect for FC.”
Balmforth has been ever-present for York this year, playing all 20 of their games so far, including twice against his parent club. Making a fist of his loan spell in North Yorkshire, the Leeds-born dummy-half has four tries to his name and has impressed Applegarth throughout the campaign.
“Denvie has some great traits in his game and he’s got some easy work-ons to fix up to take him to the next level,” the York coach said. “I absolutely love working with him.
“I first watched him as a 14-year-old at Stanningley. He’s a player I’ve always kept tracks on and I’m really pleased to see him start to transfer his game that he had as a junior into the top flight.”
As for Thursday’s victory, York’s sixth of the Super League season, Applegarth, whose side trailed 16-8 at the break before scoring 12 unanswered second-half points, added: “I thought we showed a lot of character at the end.
“I was a little bit filthy at half-time, if I’m honest with you. I felt we invited Hull back into that game after the water break in the first half.
“I just thought momentum swung a bit with Hull. I thought we’d started dipping in terms of our intent and our effort areas, but I can’t fault them for that second half. That character and spirit is what we want to be about. I’m a really proud coach.”