Preview: York City Knights v Rochdale Hornets

The latest preview for this Sunday's Coral Challenge Cup clash against York City Knights.

FORM GUIDE 

The Challenge Cup has history and prestige and on Sunday, Rochdale Hornets will be creating history as they take on the York City Knights in what could be the Hornets last visit to Bootham Crescent. 

Matt Calland’s side head into this Sunday’s game on the back of a successful pre-season and a season opening win over the Keighley Cougars. 

Hornets ran in four tries as they overcame a fierce Cougars side with Andy Lea putting in another classy performance. Since his arrival from Thatto Heath Crusaders of the National Conference League, Lea has been an ever-present figurehead in the Hornets line-up. 

Sean Penkywicz also displayed a strong performance, while Callum Marriott picked up the sponsor's Man of the Match award.

York will be looking to kick start their season as they sit bottom of the Championship table having lost all of their league games so far. Last week, they lost valiantly to the London Broncos, a side who last year were playing in Super League. The Knights brought in a number of Super League standard players ahead of the Championship season as they set the aim of the play-offs. For Hornets this season has been about rebuilding and focusing on local talent as well as retaining star names such as Sean Ainscough and brining in halfback Martyn Ridyard from Leigh Centurions. 

HEAD TO HEAD

The last time the two sides met was back in June when the Knights came away 60-0 victors at the Crown Oil Arena. 

Players to Watch

Connor Robinson – A half-back with vast experience, Robinson has been present in the Knights lineup over the past two seasons and was crucial to their promotion to the Championship in 2018 when they won the title beating the Bradford Bulls. He is known to cause problems all over the field and his speed and strength is something to watch out for. 

Chris Clarkson – Clarkson joined the Knights from Super League side Castleford Tigers having previously played for Hull Kingston Rovers. The 29-year-old is a grand final winner with the Leeds Rhinos and brings experience to James Fords side.   

TEAM NEWS

Quinn Ngawati could make his debut, after joining Toronto Wolfpack and agreeing dual-registration with Hornets.

If selected, Ben Moores could make his 100th career appearance.

HORNETS: Freeman, Bloomfield, Calland, L.Sheridan, Marriott, Penkywicz, Hesketh, Syme, Tracey, Lea, D.Sheridan, Fowden, Ogden, Whalley, Moores, Nixon, Whitehead, Holroyd, Higginsin, Ngawati, Hopkins.