York Knights will have a squad that is close to full fitness when they take on Hull KR in the Super League opener on Thursday evening, with boss Mark Applegarth proud to boast a healthy roster.
The Knights released their 21-man squad earlier today, and less than a handful of names were missing from the side, in what is York’s first ever Super League fixture.
Of the club’s 1-17, only two players are missing, the first being former Castleford and Leeds forward, Kieran Hudson.
The 25-year-old was seen in a knee brace earlier this week, and won’t feature in the opening round. Applegarth is hoping that, after a couple of lengthy injuries in his career so far, Hudson won’t be missing for too long.
The other man in the 17 not named is Jordan Lipp, one of York’s off-season recruits from Australia.
The versatile centre was given the number three shirt this season, but has yet to make an appearance in either pre-season or the Challenge Cup.
Instead, he has been featuring for Newcastle Thunder, as both clubs continue to thrive on their partnership between the two.
Commenting on Lipp, and his current situation, Applegarth said:
“Lippy is an excellent player with some great skill, and we’re just giving Lippy a bit of time to get embedded into the English game.
“I think, when the fields dry up a little bit, you’ll see the best version of what Jordan can bring, but there’s no issues there whatsoever.
“We’re just making sure we’re doing the right thing by Lippy, too and making sure he’s getting some games under his belt so that when we do put him in that York team, which we will, he feels comfortable enough and experienced in those conditions and environment.”
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One man who is also yet to feature in his new colours is former Wakefield Trinity and Hull FC man, Josh Griffin, who has joined the club on a one-year deal.
However, he is yet to make an appearance so far, but after missing the first two matches of the season, Applegarth has confirmed he will be in line to face the Robins.
The boss said: “Josh is fine. Josh will be in contention for Hull KR.
“We’ve done a bit of training with him, he’s had a couple of niggles here and there, but he could have played both games.
Griffin is one of many experienced heads that are in the York side, and joins the likes of Paul Vaughan, Paul McShane and Ben Jones-Bishop as being the veteran players that can help guide the youngsters and new arrivals through the season.
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