League 1 Cup first round preview: London Skolars v York City Knights

Joe Mbu, the Skolars coach says his players can’t wait to get out onto the pitch and play.

“The boys are looking forward to it,” he said.

“It’s a great opportunity for us to see where we’re at in a full, competitive game. We’ve been training well this week and everything that we needed to do we’ve done.

“York have a had a change of coach and they’ve had a few changes in players as well but certainly what I know of York in terms of history and the players that have come through the club is they’ve all been strong.

“Last season they finished top of the table so they’re definitely a threat in every single position. We just need to make sure that we’re at our best on the day.”

York coach James Ford admits that their pre-season has been disrupted by events off the field at the club but everyone is looking forward to their trip to London: “The players have worked hard and we’re looking to start our season with a real physical performance.

“At this stage your focus is very much on yourself but we expect London to be a stern test. Every London team I’ve played against has been very athletic and very competitive.”

Ford has no worries about playing on the Skolars new artificial pitch saying: “It’s obviously a tip top synthetic surface which will facilitate high tempo, high skill Rugby League with some physical defending. That’s what we’re basing our game around this season and the facilities down there will suit how we want to play.”