DARYL Powell takes charge of York City Knights on Sunday believing the team will rise to the challenge in the absence of commander Cook.

The former Leeds Rhinos boss takes the reins for the National League Two 'game of the day' away to Workington as head coach Mick Cook is forced to stay in quarantine due to contracting mumps this week.

But he reckons disruption to the team's preparations has been minimal, with assistant coaches Paul Broadbent, Jason Ramshaw and Powell himself stepping into the breach and the players themselves doing their bit.

"There's been a fair bit of continuity," he explained. "Myself, Jason and Paul have taken sessions this week and we've been involved all year. It's testimony to Mick. We know exactly what he's looking for and I've been in contact with him regarding picking the team.

"The players have trained exceptionally well. All the players take a fair bit of control and they're quite mature in their preparation.

"They realise it's an important game for us. Workington are very tough, especially at home where they're unbeaten for a long time."

Powell would not be drawn on just how crucial this match will be for the Knights as they continue their title push. York top the table and, although Workington dropped to fifth after a defeat to Sheffield last time out, the Cumbrians are only four points behind and are unbeaten at home for 13 months.

Powell simply stated: "It's the hardest game of this week. We look at all games like that. It's an old clich but you look at each game as it comes. You can't turn to what's gone on or what's in front.

"It's about challenges every week and this will be a tough one."

He added: "We know they will be really keen. They're not far behind us. We've got to be focussed on our own performance and I'm sure the players will be."

Powell joined the Huntington Stadium staff under the title 'coaching consultant' when, in the off-season, the Knights announced Mick Cook as their new head coach under the link-up with Leeds Rhinos. Powell was director of rugby at the Super League champions at the time, while Cook headed up their Academy and assisted head coach Tony Smith.

Powell's contribution at York was set to end when he took a coaching role at rugby union sister club Leeds Tykes last month, but he agreed to continue assisting Cook. In fact, although his job with the Tykes began in earnest this week, he says he has put even more effort into his role at the Knights.

"I'm committed to York 'til the end of the season," he confirmed. "I'm really enjoying it with the Tykes and with York. It's been great to get hands-on in coaching again.

"I've actually been putting more time in with York this week. With Mick being out, I've been doing all the preparation."

Updated: 11:00 Saturday, June 25, 2005