York Knights will be seeking to kickstart their pre-season when they visit the Eco-Power Stadium to meet last year’s Betfred League One Play-Off Finalists Doncaster RLFC on Sunday (3pm).
Andrew Henderson will take charge of his first match since becoming the Knights’ new Head Coach in October, with an opportunity to test combinations ahead of the Betfred Championship season opener against Widnes Vikings on Sunday, February 5 (3pm) at the LNER Community Stadium.
This weekend’s opponents Doncaster finished fourth in League One in 2022 and were narrowly beaten 16-10 by Swinton Lions in October’s Play-Off Final at Heywood Road.
The Dons have made a number of signings over the off-season as they continue their bid for promotion to the Betfred Championship.
Former England international Brett Ferres, ex-Sheffield Eagles captain Matt James and Bradford Bulls outside back Elliot Hall are among the eye-catching new recruits.
The friendly is the first of two arranged by the Knights as Henderson’s side host the 2021 Betfred Championship Grand Finalists Batley Bulldogs on Sunday, January 22 (3pm) ahead of competitive action beginning next month.
Coach’s View
Previewing the Doncaster clash, Head Coach Andrew Henderson said: “I’m very excited to see the players in action.
“It’ll be a good opportunity for the guys that are fit and available, to look at them and see how they’ve progressed and see what they’re doing on the training field that translates to a game scenario.
“It’ll be a good opportunity for me to have a look at a few different players and try a few different ideas.
“I can try a few different combinations and see how certain players perform in a different role or position to what they’re accustomed to and there'll be times throughout the year where you’re relying on players to play out of position.
“We’re really excited and I know the boys are keen for a hit-out. It’s a friendly and there as an opportunity to get some much-needed game time and get their timing back.
“They’ll start to build combinations and get miles back in the legs at game speed.
“For me as a coach, it’s a chance to have a look at the players and different combinations to help myself and the coaching team make the best decision before round one.”
Treatment Table
York are without prop Pauli Pauli, back-rower Ukuma Ta’ai, centres Jesse Dee and Brad Ward as well as half-back Jamie Ellis through injury.
For ticket information on York Knights' pre-season friendly clash with Doncaster RLFC, click HERE.
