iPro Sport Cup second round preview: York City Knights v Newcastle Thunder

James Ford will be looking for improvement in his York City Knights team this week.

“I thought it was a mixed performance against South Wales Scorpions last week,” he said.

“Defensively we improved in a couple of areas so I was really pleased how we defended but there were a couple of areas we need to fix up this week and we’ll be working really hard to improve our performance.

“Newcastle have got a high profile coach in Stanley, he’s been really busy in the off season and has recruited heavily from overseas with some experienced players.

“People are fancying Newcastle this year, which is understandable. We’re probably coming into the game as underdogs but we’re not too fussed about that.”

The game is being played at Clifton Park in York and will see Luke Menzies, on loan from Salford Red Devils, coming in for his first game.

Newcastle coach Stanley Gene said: “York are a good side, they have beaten us in the past and have got some very experienced players who have played at the top level. Last year we played them three times and lost all three.

“We’re looking forward to another great challenge. Our league season kicks off in April so it will be good to get a winning mentality around the team. It will be a good challenge.”