James Tompkinson reviews an excellent pre-season victory for the York City Knights against Yorkshire rivals Leeds Rhinos
James Tompkinson previews York City Knights' upcoming clash with Leeds Rhinos
Anthony Quinn previews Saturday's Four Nations match between England and Australia
Anthony Quinn previews today's Four Nations match between England and New Zealand
Player/Coach Chris Thorman is set to name a strong York City Knights line-up to take on Hull FC as they continue their preparations for the new season this Saturday at Huntington Stadium; kick-off 6pm.
Thorman is expected to select an experienced team for the game, including big summer signings such as ex-Great Britain prop Paul King and former Hunslet second-row Tommy Haughey, who could both make their first appearances for the club. Thorman is also expected to name himself alongside Jordan Tansey to form a potent half-back combination with plenty of top level experience. The Knights squad contains several faces that the visitors will find familiar, with King, Thorman and Tansey all having played for the black and whites previously in Super League.
Thorman will clearly pull no punches with his team selection and is prepared for a tough game, commenting that “Hull FC have a very deep first team squad with a huge amount of ability. I expect this to be a very tough game which is exactly what we need at this time of year”.
Indeed, this game will certainly test the depth of the Hull squad, as they have one eye on the following days friendly against local rivals Hull Kingston Rovers. Youth is being given a chance, with promising youngsters Ben Crooks and Jack Briscoe, brother of fellow club mate and England wing sensation Tom, named in the centres, former Knight Tom Lineham starting on the wing and Danny Nicklas named in the halves.
But this does not mean the visiting squad lacks experience, with young full-back Reece Lyne having made 13 Super League appearances already and last season’s Championship player of the year, former Leigh star Jamie Ellis, partnering Nicklas.
All in all, it promises to be another stern test for the Knights, who will be hoping to build on the 26-18 victory over Leeds Rhinos’ under-20’s outfit last week as they prepare for the start of their Northern Rail Cup campaign against Championship rivals Swinton Lions next month.
Prior to the game, there will be a match between the Great Britain All Stars and Horners ARLC from Hull. The match kicks off at 4.15pm and is in aid of the Life for a Kid Foundation, which helps children under the age of 16 by helping to raise funds for life saving operations, and also providing funds and equipment to help sick children lead a better life. The All Stars squad is packed full of stars from days gone by, including former York favourite Chris Smith and ex-St Helens and GB centre Paul Newlove.
You must log in to submit a comment.
