Bailey arrived at the Knights after proving himself as a stand-out forward for Newcastle Thunder during three seasons in the North East.

The Wakefield Trinity product made more than 70 appearances from 2021 to 2023 for Newcastle, scoring 11 tries, and establishing himself as adept in a number of positions, covering at back-row, loose forward, half-back, centre and hooker for Thunder.

In his first year with York, he continued to show his versatility, covering in the centres as well as his favoured back row, scoring 10 tries in 34 starts - the only player to feature in every game in 2024.