Ahead of Sunday’s Betfred Challenge Cup Round Four match against Newcastle Thunder at the LNER Community Stadium, Head Coach James Ford revealed that he is likely to make changes for the match but is by no means putting a weak team out.
Speaking to the media earlier this week, Ford gave a nod to the four teenagers within his squad and pointed to the plan to give them gametime this weekend.
“It was always the plan. We have plans for the short, medium and long term but it’s the right thing to do to try to plan that way,” Ford shared.
“There will be some of the young boys getting a run this weekend and it’s really important that they do. I believe they are a big part of the future of this Club and to get them to the levels I believe they are capable of, they need exposing to first-team rugby.”
Discussing the importance of the Challenge Cup to the Knights this season, Ford acknowledged the run the team had in 2021 and how that benefitted the Club.
“We enjoyed a good run last year and we were rewarded with a home game against Wigan and then a trip to Wembley. I think everyone associated with the Club enjoyed that day, apart from the result, so it’s important to us but developing players like Toby Warren is important to us.
“We’re certainly not throwing the game away and, if you remember, we went to Newcastle last year with Myles Harrison and Toby in the team alongside some other young boys and we turned them over. We’re certainly picking a strong side, it’s not a case of us writing it off.
“These young players are good. When they have played before, they have been outstanding and I want to give them opportunities to kick on.”
Tickets are available for Sunday’s match with every paid-for ticket receiving a voucher for a free ticket at Cineworld once supporters enter through the turnstiles on Sunday. Head online to yorkcityknights.com/tickets to purchase yours – adult tickets are priced at £20, concessions £15 and under-16s continue to go free.
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