OPPOSITION GUIDE | YORK CITY KNIGHTS

WE take an in-depth look at Sunday's opponents ahead of the latest instalment of an ever-burgeoning rivalry with York City Knights...

FORMBOOK 

James Ford’s City Knights go into this weekend’s clash looking to pick up their first points of the 2020 Betfred Championship campaign following an opening-day defeat at Toulouse.

Marcus Stock and Will Sharp scored tries in the 22-10 loss, which followed a pre-season defeat to John Kear’s Bradford at the Tetley’s Stadium.

A 12-12 draw at Featherstone Rovers kickstarted the Knights’ pre-season campaign which preceded a defeat at Halifax.

THE CAPTAIN

The vastly-experienced Tim Spears leads out the City Knights once again in 2020 for a third year wearing the armband.

Spears joined York in 2017 following a seven-year stint at Featherstone Rovers and the 35-year-old boasts experience from playing in the sport’s second tier.

He made his first senior appearance in rugby league at Castleford Tigers in Super League, prior to brief spells at Dewsbury Rams and Batley Bulldogs before moving to the LD Nutrition Stadium.

THE BOILER ROOM

Chris Clarkson is one of a number of vastly-experienced options available to James Ford in 2020 – following his close-season move from Super League outfit Castleford Tigers.

Clarkson also enjoyed spells in the sport’s top tier with Leeds Rhinos, Widnes Vikings and Hull Kingston Rovers.

Danny Washbrook is also entering his first year at the club following fifteen years in Super League with Hull FC and Wakefield Trinity and boasts experience of Challenge Cup wins at Wembley.

THE BACKS

Connor Robinson and Ben Johnston will be leading the City Knights around the park in 2020 and were pivotal in York’s impressive 2019 season in which they finished third.

Robinson however, is unavailable for this weekend’s fixture due to suspension, but Ford boasts plenty of quality in his backline.

Off-season recruit Will Sharp poses a try-scoring threat alongside full-back Matty Marsh – with Jimmy Keinhorst an experienced option following his move from Hull Kingston Rovers.

THE COACH

James Ford is highly-regarded in the British game following his exploits with York since taking the helm in 2015.

Ford took over the coaching reins following a four year playing career with the club, which followed spells at Featherstone Rovers, Sheffield Eagles, Castleford Tigers and Widnes Vikings.

He led York to the Betfred League One title in 2018 as well as a Betfred Championship play-off place in 2019.

CONNECTIONS

The City Knights’ pack features a number of ex-Bulls in its ranks in the guise of James Green, Jordan Baldwinson and Josh Jordan-Roberts.

29-year-old Green enjoyed a two-year spell in the red, amber and black prior to his move in the off season.

Baldwinson and Jordan-Roberts both spent time on loan at the Bulls in 2014 and 2017 respectively.

PAST MEETINGS

Bradford and York have been embroiled in some thrilling encounters since the two sides met in Betfred League One in 2018.

A last-minute Joe Keyes’ penalty sealed a narrow win at Bootham Crescent in Round One before York revenge at Odsal later that year.

Bradford have won pre-season battles between the two sides over the last couple of years but James Ford’s side got the better of the Bulls in both competitive fixtures in 2019 – including a 25-24 win in dramatic fashion.

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