Demetriou ready to change

Ben Jones (arm) will be assessed during Thursday’s training session as York City Knights coach Dave Woods attempts to finalise his team for Sunday’s Northern Rail Cup tie with Keighley Cougars.

New signing Jordan Thompson goes straight into the squad after signing on loan from Castleford, as the Knights aim to bounce back after last weeks disappointing draw with London Skolars.

Dave Woods said: “It was a poor performance. It wasn’t a professional display at all.

“London played really well; they worked hard and deserved the draw. But we weren’t at the races. It wasn’t acceptable.”

He added: “We’ve drawn a line under it, and we’re throwing it out. We need a good display just to repay the fans.”

Gavin Duffy (dead leg) is Keighley’s only doubt, but Cougars coach Jason Demetriou is promising to make a number of changes to his team.

Demetriou said: “I need players to have game-time. I can’t afford to go into the Co-operative Championship One season with five or six players who haven’t had any game-time, so I’ll be changing things around this week.”

Demetriou briefly joined York before agreeing a deal to become Keighley’s coach.

The former Wakefield star said: “They’re well coached by Dave Woods, and they’re looking forward to having a good year.

“Their last result wasn’t what they’ll be after, but they ran Featherstone close and that’s the quality we’re expecting on Sunday.”