Smith aiming high with York

York City Knights hooker Pat Smith is relishing the chance to reach the Championship One Grand Final this year.

The Kights face Oldham on Sunday at the Huntington Stadium, havgn enjoyed a fine season after being relegated from the Championship last year.

“We played London Skolars in the last game of the season and as it was the first time we had played in a couple of weeks, we were a bit rusty and didn’t quite reach the high levels that we expect from ourselves,” said Smith.

“We have had a few lads with injuries so we should have them back after the rest but we’re just happy with the home fixture.

“Oldham and Hunslet are the best teams in the league alongside us and I’m sure it will be one of us that go up so this game will not be an easy one.”

Smith plays for the Knights alongside his bother Ed, and is hoping that the whole family can celebrate success on Sunday.

He also wants to make sure that the Knights are in the right place to make the most of next season’s drastic restructure.

“Me and Ed are best mates, we get on really well and it’s great for the family to have us both playing together,” he added.

“It is great fun and it is an extra reason to enjoy playing Rugby League. We have a great, tight-knit group here.

“The new structure is the main motivation going into the play-offs. It is really, really exciting and we’d have the chance to play the likes of Leigh, Bradford, London and it would be great to be a part of one of the three 8s competitions.

“Coventry Bears are coming in next year and it’s feasible that they could be in Super League in three or four years – it gives the sport more meaning and gives another goal that clubs can aspire to achieve.

“We will also be moving to a new stadium next season so this game is a bit of a swansong, hopefully the crowd will turn up and will help us get through to the Grand Final.”