Mark Applegarth paid tribute to Paul McShane's enduring influence after York Knights marked the evergreen hooker's 400th career appearance with a welcome win over Toulouse Olympique.

The 36-year-old played a starring role in Thursday's 38-14 victory – and has no plans to hang up his boots anytime soon.

"To get to 400 games is unbelievable," said Applegarth.

"Long may it continue. He keeps telling me he's got another year or two in him yet, especially if I move him to seven.

"I really enjoy coaching him. He's a proper student of the game and still striving to get better every week. He's a proper family man and a role model people should aspire to be.

"We'd spoken all week about his importance to us and getting the two points for him. What a privilege it is to have him in a Knights shirt.

"He's an unbelievable player. Most importantly, Macca is an outstanding man."

McShane produced a man-of-the-match performance to help inspire York to a first win in six Super League games.

York and Toulouse form a guard of honour for Paul McShane ahead of his 400th appearance. (Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com)

placeholder image — York and Toulouse form a guard of honour for Paul McShane ahead of his 400th appearance. (Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com)

Paul Vaughan's early double set the Knights on the road to victory before Scott Galeano took over with a hat-trick.

Kieran Buchanan also scored for York as they moved clear of Toulouse at the bottom of Super League.

"Winning and losing are habitual and it's important to break that cycle when you're going through a bit of a dry spell," said Applegarth, who lost Josh Griffin to a ruptured bicep in the early stages.

"You have to go above and beyond to break that cycle and get that first win.

Paul Vaughan celebrates his second try. (Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com)

"There were a couple of tries that probably flattered the scoreline a bit in their favour, which I'm a bit disappointed in, but that's just me as a coach.

"I'm really proud of how the lads stuck to the game plan and how they've stuck together. When you face a bit of adversity, you learn a lot about people. One thing I'm really proud of is how tight this group are.

"I'm just glad that we've got back on that winning horse. We're going to have to make sure we go above and beyond again next week to stay on it against a tough St Helens team."