Page 45 - Rugby League World (February 2020)

PREVIEW

YORK CITY KNIGHTS

RLW PREDICTS: 6th

One of the success stories of the sport at Green who adds significant size to the pack
any level in 2019, will the Knights suffer hwile Will Sharp and Ben Johnston have
from second season syndrome this time been among Halifax’s best performers in
around? recent years.
James Ford’s committed and well organised Throw in the explosive talent of Hull KR
side exceeded all expectations in finishing winger Elliot Wallis and the Knights look
third last year, the first season after stronger than in 2019 - although they will
promotion from League 1. go up against opposition teams now fully
Their campaign was characterised by prepared for the threat they will provide.
winning tight matches against their rivals The other added dimension to a mouth-
and the ability of highly rated coach Ford watering 2020 for the club is the move to
to develop and improve players, with ball the brand-new community stadium in the
players Matty Marsh and Connor Robinson city.
two of numerous examples. That will provide York with the kind of facility
Others included Jason Bass and Marcus that matches their innovative and forward-
Stock, plucked from the bottom end of thinking off-field operation, offering more
League 1 before becoming key players in a opportunities to grow.
successful Championship team. Last year, promotion led to an increase
The Knights won’t have the element of in average home crowds of almost 30
surprise they enjoyed then this time around - percent, now they will be hoping the ground
but all the signs point to progress rather than move prompts a further spike in crowds.
regression after an impressive close season. The successes of recent years have seen
Their signings list is impressive, headed the Knights marked down as a potential
by back rowers Chris Clarkson and Danny Super League club in many people’s eyes,
Washbrook who bring an absolute wealth of and all the ingredients look to be there.
top flight experience from their impressive It might be too soon to expect a successful
careers. promotion push this year, but Ford’s side
That will be further supplemented by loan should still be among the front runners and
capture Jimmy Keinhorst and prop James few clubs will relish facing them.

STAR PLAYER COACH

2020 SQUAD:
1 Matty Marsh
2 Perry Whiteley
4 Liam Salter
5 Will Sharp
6 Ben Johnston
7 Connor Robinson
8 Ronan Dixon
9 Will Jubb
The fact that this isn’t an easy selection James Ford’s reputation while working at 10 Jack Teanby
reflects both the high quality of York’s York has grown to such an extent that he
recruitment and the balance of Ford’s was seen as a clear contender for the Hull 11 Danny Washbrook
squad, but Matty Marsh has emerged as a Kingston Rovers job last year. 12 Sam Scott
key figure. But Ford is tied to a long-term contract 13 Tim Spears
The former Hull KR junior was a major with a compensation clause in it at the 14 Kriss Brining
coup for the club and repaid their faith in Knights, and they are keen to hang onto 15 James Green
him with 16 tries in 29 appearances last their man as they look to continue their 16 Chris Clarkson
season. progress on all fronts. 17 Joe Porter
Originally seen as a halfback when making Ford’s work in guiding York to third 19 Jordan Baldwinson
22 Super League appearances over four place in their first season back in
seasons at the Robins, he now seems fully the Championship earned him the 20 Marcus Stock
at home in the number one shirt for the competition’s Coach of the Year accolade. 21 Jason Bass
Knights. There will be plenty of eyes seeing if he 22 Brad Hey
There, he is a key component of his side’s can repeat that success this year, but he 23 Josh Jordan-Roberts
attacking structure and will again be looks to have the temperament to deal 24 Elliot Wallis
central to their threat with the ball in 2020. with that pressure.

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