This Sunday afternoon sees York City Knights bring their 2020 pre-season program to a close with a trip to Dewsbury to take on Betfred Championship rivals Bradford Bulls.
Last season saw the Knights come out on top in both league encounters against our West Yorkshire opponents, winning an exciting game at Odsal 14-24 in Round 4, and then a last minute drop goal secured a memorable 25-24 victory at Bootham Crescent in August.
The Bulls have suffered another off-season of uncertainty - leaving behind their ‘iconic’ Odsal home to ground share with Dewsbury Rams at the Tetley’s Stadium in 2020. John Kear’s squad has also been affected with a number of stars sold off to balance the books by the newly installed board. Former Bulls prop James Green will be lining up against his old team for York this Sunday.
Despite this, the Bulls have retained some of their talent from last season that almost saw them reach the play-offs. Key playmakers Jordan Lilley and Rowan Milnes (returning on loan from Hull KR) will guide the team around the park, and experienced forwards Liam Kirk and Steve Crossley should lead from the front. Greg Johnson brings a wealth of Super League experience from Salford, and former Hull FC prop Levy Nzoungou will add beef up front after joining from French Elite team Albi Tigers.
York City Knights Head Coach James Ford is looking for an improved performance against Bradford after last week’s defeat to Halifax: “I thought our organisation, execution and ball handling were miles off from the level we were need to be at last week.
“Having said that, I thought we defended pretty well. I know we conceded three tries, two of them from kicks and maybe we should have been stronger on our goal line too.
“We’ve identified against Featherstone and Halifax where we can do better, and the boys have got the game against Bradford to show what they are capable of and hopefully we can build on it heading into our first league match against Toulouse.”
Early team news indicates that Jason Bass, Josh Jordan-Roberts and James Green will all feature against Bradford, with a decision yet to be made on Jordan Baldwinson and Jimmy Keinhorst.
AJ Towse & Myles Harrison will both feature after signing from Heworth on community dual registration terms.
Please note there are no advance ticket sales ahead of this match with all fans to pay on the gate. Admission prices at the Tetley’s Stadium are as follows:
South Stand/Beaumont Terrace (Standing)
Adults – £15 (On The Gate: £17)
Concessions – £10 (On The Gate: £12)
Junior Season Ticket Holders – FREE
Junior Non-Season Ticket Holders – £3
Under-5s – FREE
North Stand (Seating)
Adults – £15 (On The Gate: £17)
Concessions – £10 (On The Gate: £12)
Junior Season Ticket Holders – FREE
Junior Non-Season Ticket Holders – £3
Under-5s – FREE
The game kicks off at 3pm so make sure to get down to Dewsbury and sing loud and proud as the 2020 Betfred Championship seasons draws ever closer!
2020 season tickets and memberships are available now. Secure your place in the brand new LNER Community Stadium today by emailing Zillah Ingledew at z.ingledew@yorkcityknights.com or call 01904 876527 for further details!
