Challenge Cup third round preview: South Wales Scorpions v York City Knights

Mike Grady, the South Wales Scorpions coach, is looking forward to the Cup game against York.

“The Ladbrokes Challenge Cup is a special competition,” he said. “We’re at our new home in Mountain Ash against a quality side, so it’s got the makings of a great weekend.”

“York are going to prove tough opponents, they are a dangerous side who seemed to have clicked straight away. I’m got confidence in my lads and know if we switch on from minute one we will give a good account of ourselves.”

York coach James Ford said: “We performed to a reasonable standard last Sunday but we’ve got a couple of areas we need to improve on. We’ll be going down to Wales very much focused on raising the bar even higher.

“I’ve not seen too much of South Wales but generally, from my experience against Welsh teams, they are good rugby players who are generally athletic and tough.

“We’re going down there expecting a competitive fixture and obviously the journey itself is a challenge for us as well.

“I grew up watching the Challenge Cup, it’s a fantastic competition for all rugby players and everybody involved in the sport. It certainly is iconic and I’m sure the 17 I select will be really excited to be involved in it on Sunday.”