York City Knights are pleased to confirm that the team will be playing Betfred Super League side Hull FC in a pre-season friendly on Thursday March 11th (7:30pm KO).
The match will be the first time we play at our new LNER Community Stadium home and, with Brett Hodgson’s Hull FC side forming stern opposition, it is sure to be a match high on quality.
Eager to face their Super League opposition will be several Knights who will be in line to make their first appearances in York colours. Adam Cuthbertson, Danny Kirmond and Ben Jones-Bishop will be keen to show their quality while former Hull FC man Danny Washbrook will face his former club for the first time since signing for the Knights ahead of the 2020 campaign.
The presence of a handful of former Hull KR players in the Knights’ squad, including recent signing Kieran Dixon, will add a bit of spice to what will be a great way for James Ford’s men to make their first appearance at their new home.
Hull FC have recently appointed former Super League Man of Steel Brett Hodgson as head coach and have seen his fellow countryman Josh Reynolds sign for the club ahead of the upcoming season. Alongside Reynolds, the Airlie Birds boast an impressive squad including the Tongan internationals Manu Ma’u and Mahe Fonua as well as the likes of Jake Connor, Marc Sneyd and Scott Taylor, each of whom will be hoping to earn their place in the England squad for the upcoming 2021 Rugby League World Cup.
A familiar face to Knights fans who could be in line to play against them will be centre Cameron Scott who made seven appearances for York in the 2019 campaign, scoring four tries.
Of the clash and the test the 2016 and 2017 Challenge Cup winners will pose, York head coach James Ford said: “Despite the disruption we’ve all faced, I feel this has been our best preseason since I came to the club. There is lots of clarity around or systems, philosophies of play and our positional responsibilities alongside us being the fittest we’ve been.
“The boys have worked really hard and I’m proud of how they’ve dealt with the disruptions this far.
“Playing a top side like Hull FC excites us all and gives my players a wonderful opportunity to show case their ability and look to nail down a spot for the cup game against Sheffield.”
Ahead of being the Knights’ first opponents at the LNER Community Stadium, Hull FC head coach said: “We’re delighted to have been given the opportunity to face York in their first ever match at their brand new stadium – from what I’ve seen in the media, the ground looks fantastic and we as a club are excited to be involved in the opening match there on what should be a great occasion for the Knights.
“The game will prove to be a good hit-out for both sides, and give us a good marker as to where we’re at as a group a fortnight before the Betfred Super League season begins.
“The squad have shown some fierce determination and work-ethic in their pre-season efforts so far, and I’m looking forward to seeing what we can do in our first game of the year against a strong looking Championship opposition.”
The match will be available to watch live on Our League and season ticket holders of both teams will be able to access the match for free. Live streaming passes will be available for those fans who aren’t season ticket holders who wish to watch. You can purchase your live stream pass HERE.
2021 season ticket holders of both teams will be contacted in advance of the fixture with their complimentary access code.
2021 York City Knights season tickets are available to purchase now. Simply contact info@yorkcityknights.com or call 01904 876527 to get yours today!
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