On Thursday night, York Knights put the historic city firmly on the rugby league map.

The Knights only turned full-time in October with half the central funding of most of their rivals, including defending champions Hull KR.

Against all pre-match expectations, Mark Applegarth's Super League debutants delivered one of the biggest upsets in the competition's 30-year history to show they belong at the top level.

Fans new and old savoured a famous 19-18 win over last year's treble winners – a result that sent shockwaves across the rugby league world.

The Knights and the wider region have now had a taste of the big occasion and will be hungry for more.

Further afield, supporters from west Hull to Brisbane may have found a new second team.

Applegarth hopes the impact of a statement victory will be felt a little closer to home.

"I was in the gym this afternoon with Chris Thorman, my assistant," said the Knights boss. "We were minding our own business and heard two York fans saying Super League kicks off tonight against Hull KR.

The York fans celebrate a famous win. (Photo: Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com)

placeholder image — The York fans celebrate a famous win. (Photo: Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com)

"They were obviously oblivious to who me and Chris were. I remember one of them saying we were going to get absolutely... I'll let you fill in the blank.

"I just smiled and said 'Cheers mate'. He asked if I was a player and I told him I was the coach and a bit too fat to be a player now.

"Hopefully we can get guys like that onside. He would have probably tuned in to see whether he was right or wrong.

"The York fans are a proud bunch who get behind the rugby and football teams. We've got a responsibility to make sure we give them a team they can cheer on every week."

Knights captain Liam Harris addresses his players at full-time. (Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com)

York took an early lead courtesy of former KR centre Sam Wood but appeared to be down and out midway through the second half.

Mikey Lewis offered the Knights a lifeline with a rash trip that cost him 10 minutes in the sin bin – and they made him pay.

Wood crossed for his second try before Scott Galeano levelled the scores, setting the stage for Ata Hingano to complete a memorable comeback with a nerveless drop goal.

"I'm proud of the lads first and foremost for the hard work they've put in," said Applegarth. "Their self-belief shone through.

Mikey Lewis received a costly yellow card for the Robins. (Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com)

"It's a historic win and we're proud to represent the city the way we have.

"We have to enjoy this, especially those lads who were on debut. You only get one debut and they definitely had a night to remember in terms of the result.

"But I don't think anyone will go crazy. We'll have one or two beers, review it and then we'll be back at it Sunday morning ready for Leeds Rhinos."

For Hull KR, who had requested a promoted side first up as preparation for next Thursday's World Club Challenge against Brisbane Broncos, it was a nightmare start to their title defence as the plan backfired spectacularly.

Although they found their groove to open up a commanding lead thanks to Jai Whitbread's two tries and another close-range effort from fellow prop Jesse Sue, Willie Peters' side were ragged and ill-disciplined in an uncharacteristic performance.

"You get what you deserve in this game – and we certainly did," said Peters.

"Mikey, doing what he did, let his team-mates down. It's about actions now. He needs to make sure he doesn't let his team-mates down like that again and learns from this."