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York Knights will be seeking to book their place in the AB Sundecks 1895 Cup Quarter-Finals when they host former Betfred Super League side Wakefield Trinity on Sunday (3pm).
York return to the LNER Community Stadium this weekend following a 114-10 rout of Betfred League One outfit Newcastle Thunder at Kingston Park, with the Knights crossing for 21 tries in the North East.
In the process, Andrew Henderson’s side recorded the highest ever winning margin in an AB Sundecks 1895 Cup fixture while posting more than 100 points for the fourth time in the Club’s history - no other Club has managed that feat.
The Knights will be fully aware that they face a far tougher challenge against Wakefield this weekend, with Trinity currently the bookmakers’ favourites for an immediate return to the top-flight after relegation from Betfred Super League last year.
Since their demotion, Wakefield have turned to former Warrington Wolves and Castleford Tigers boss Daryl Powell, who led the latter to the 2017 League Leaders’ Shield in the Betfred Super League.
An overhaul of the Wakefield squad has seen Trinity recruit Huddersfield Giants legend Jermaine McGillvary, 2023 Betfred Super League winner Iain Thornley and Halifax Panthers flyer Lachlan Walmsley in the backs.
In the forward pack, Toby Boothroyd, Luke Bain and Caleb Uele have been recruited from Australia, while Josh Bowden, Renouf Atoni and Matty Ashurst remain from the 2023 set-up.
Experienced half-backs Luke Gale and Mason Lino have been retained by Trinity for 2024 and will provide the guile and creativity to the side’s attack.
Wakefield’s trip to the LNER Community Stadium sees the West Yorkshire club visit the Monks Cross ground for the first time while the meeting also sees the two sides face off after a 27-year wait.
While Wakefield boast several high-profile names, York will be buoyed by last weekend’s rout of Newcastle, which featured several impressive displays from debutants who will be making their home debuts for the club.
Newcastle Thunder recruit Connor Bailey scored four tries on his first outing against his former club while ex-Wakefield man Will Dagger will be hoping to stand-out against his ex-employers following a hat-trick at Kingston Park.
Half-back Nikau Williams and back-rower Harvey Reynolds could also make their home debuts for the Knights after first run-outs last weekend.
York Knights return to the LNER Community Stadium on Sunday (3pm) against Wakefield Trinity in the AB Sundecks 1895 Cup! To purchase your tickets, please click HERE.
