Arthur Beetson in action against St Helens in 1975. The tacklers are David Hull (left) and Graham Liptrott
In October, 2025 the York Rugby League Club was given the green light to be part of the 2026 British Super League competition. York have always been battlers, with nearby clubs like Leeds, Castleford and Wakefield Trinity grabbing the spotlight. Now they have an ambitious Australian owner, Clint Goodchild, a Queenslander who was brought up on the 13-man code.
York, formed as a rugby union club in 1868, were known as the Wasps until they were rebranded the Knights in 2002.
In 1975 Australia’s World Series side played a match against York at the club’s Wigginton Road ground and predictably ran away with the match 45-4 with winger, Allan McMahon; centre, Steve Rogers and halfback, Tom Raudonikis each scoring two tries.
The Man of the Match award went to 19-year-old Ian Schubert who started at fullback but moved to centre when dual rugby international, John Brass was injured. Schubert set up the try of the match – scored by hooker, John Lang – after he made a break from inside his own quarter.
Australian skipper, Arthur Beetson thrilled the crowd of 4,082 with skilful off-loading which resulted in tries for Rogers and Raudonikis. Rogers’ centre partner, Mick Cronin finished with 15 points from a try and six conversions. Australia’s other try scorers were Jim Porter and Ian McKay. (Tries were worth three points). Gary Hetherington kicked two goals for York.
Blonde haired Schubert was the Reece Walsh of the tour, given his flamboyant look and exciting running style. In the game against Wales at Swansea he scored three tries in a brawling game.
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Widnes should be back in. It’s been a long time, Steve.
So true. I would be great to see the Chemics back where they belong. I like the look of their new playing strip.