Potter ready for Knights spell up front
York City Knights have confirmed the signing of prop Craig Potter from Batley Bulldogs.
The experienced Kingstone Championship pack man is set to go straight into the squad that takes on champions Sheffield Eagles at Bramall Lane tonight and provides the Knights with a timely boost up front.
32 year old Potter asked to be released by Batley after only making one substitute appearance this season in the defeat at Sheffield, and despite having been given the number ten shirt this year, that request was granted. He has made 94 appearances in 5 years at the Bulldogs and made no hesitation in linking up with his former coach Gary Thornton once again:
“He found himself not getting enough game-time for someone his age and he asked if we would be interested. He’s been a fringe player in Batley’s side but he’s exerienced at this level and this is an opportunity to bring another prop in. Craig is a good player who will benefit us. He’s a big kid as well.”
Meanwhile Thornton is in buoyant mood ahead of tonight’s match up with the current Champions despite his side’s 18-14 loss against Halifax last week. Thornton said: “We would have been good value to win the game. We deserved more than a bonus point. We asked for a reaction after the Batley defeat and we certainly got it. Hopefully that will be a marker for the rest of the season. We’ll go into Friday’s game a lot more confident, and we know we can compete with teams in the top five. Sheffield is a different challenge to Halifax. They play on a very wide pitch, but we’re looking forward to it.”
Sam Scott (pelvis) is likely to miss the match with his old club, while Ed Smith (dead leg) is also doubtful. However, Jason Golden and James Ford are set to return to the Knights’ match-day squad with new signing Potter.
Young forward Connor Scott is set for a place in Mark Aston’s Sheffield Eagles squad for tonight’s Kingstone Press Championship clash. The 19-year-old made two appearances last year and has impressed Aston in training this term. Now he looks likely to get his opportunity in the Eagles’ first game of 2013 at Bramall Lane.