Championship One Preview: York City Knights v Hunslet Hawks

York City Knights coach Gary Thornton has a number of injury concerns ahead of Sunday’s mouthwatering Kingstone Press Championship One fixture with Hunslet Hawks.

Lee Paterson and Jack Iley are both definitely ruled out with knee problems while Greg Minikin (ankle) and James Ford (calf) also suffered injuries against Oldham last week.

In contrast, Hunslet coach Barry Eaton could include Danny Maun and James Coyle after the pair were rested last week. Only Matthew Cook (hamstring) is unavailable for selection.

Eaton said: “It’s a tasty one this week, top versus second, but our attention is solely focused on where we’re at and how we’re performing.

“In terms of the league table, that’s something we’re more than happy with, but we know we’re only halfway through and it’s a long way to go.

“The be all and end all is the play-offs at the end of the year. You’ve got to win the Grand Final to get promoted.”

Eaton admitted to being encouraged by last week’s big win over Gateshead Thunder.

He said: “We were clinical. It was a very tough first half, but we pulled clear in the second half.”