York City Knights are preparing for their opening home game of the 2020 Betfred Championship season at Bootham Crescent this Sunday 9th February, looking to defend a competitive three match winning streak against former Super League and World Club Champions 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. Matty Dawson-Jones provides Super League quality strike threat out wide.
John Kear’s men will take lots of confidence from their recent form, as a young Bradford team held out the Knights for a 6-4 victory at Dewsbury two weeks ago in a pre-season friendly. They then followed that up with an impressive performance in Round 1 of the 2020 Betfred Championship last week, losing by just four points to London Broncos, who only last year were competing in the Super League.
The Knights are pleased to announce that 659 Taxis will be our official match sponsor this week. 659 Taxis has one of the largest fleet of private hire vehicles in York and have over 15 years of experience, offering a host of services with 4, 5, 6, 7, & 8, seated vehicles. Based in York, 659 Taxis and their clean, non-smoking cars and mini buses provide a reliable, friendly service to transport you in comfort.
659 Taxis operate a fully computerised booking and dispatch system with fully automated customer call back, and all the cars have a up to date GPS national tracking system to ensure passenger & driver peace of mind & safety for both local & national fares.
So, wherever you are in York, 659 Taxis can get to you on time.
For more information or to download their mobile app, visit their website at: 659taxisyork.co.uk
Knights Head Coach James Ford has named his preliminary 21 man squad, and outside backs Perry Whiteley and Jimmy Keinhorst (debut) look set to make their first appearances of the year. Hooker Kriss Brining and former Bradford prop James Green also return from knocks, and youngsters Elliot Wallis and Myles Harrison are called up. Connor Robinson misses the game as he sits out a one match suspension, and Danny Washbrook is unavailable due to commitments arranged before signing for the Knights.
Tickets for the huge opening home game of the 2020 Betfred Championship game against former Super League and World Club Champions Bradford Bulls visit Bootham Crescent this Sunday, 9th February (3pm) are available online now HERE.
(Pay on the gate on the day will also be available.)
