THE Huntington Stadium faithful could get a chance to see York City Knights' two new signings when Featherstone Rovers arrive for the final game in the Arriva Trains Cup on Sunday.

As reported in the Evening Press, the Knights have swooped to capture Huddersfield Giants' Rikki Sheriffe on a month's loan, with the 18-year-old winger set to join fellow temporary transfer Adam Thaler (Castleford) and Andy Burland (Doncaster) in tomorrow's 17.

However, with the injuries situation at the club starting to really bite, highly-rated amateur Sam Clarke, who was playing for Heworth in the National Conference League second division just last weekend, has also been added to the squad.

The Knights go into their last ATC game before the rigours of the National League Two season with Lee Jackson, Graeme Hallas, Mark Cain, Matt Blaymire, Jonny Firth, Carl Stannard and Alex Godfrey all missing, while Gareth Lloyd is struggling with a shoulder injury.

Player-coach Paul Broadbent told the Evening Press: "The injury situation hasn't really got any better. No-one has come back into the side, so we are still thin on the ground.

"We've more people in the physio's room than out on the field at training. But guys who have come in have done pretty well, so we won't be changing things too much.

"That is pleasing because those who have been on the fringes looking in, have taken the opportunities."

Speaking about the two new signings, Broadbent added: "Rikki has been involved with a Super League club working under Tony Smith, so he'll be up to speed on what to do. He has only just come in but he looks more than competent.

"Sam Clarke has been training with us for a while and he now has a chance of being involved this weekend as Gareth Lloyd is doubtful with a shoulder injury."

The arrival of Sheriffe means home-grown hero Godfrey will be given a chance to sort out a suspected hernia injury after playing through the pain barrier against Dewsbury last week.

"Alex has seen the specialist and now needs a scan," said Broadbent.

"He had gone to see the specialist this week in the hope of sorting out an operation, but he told Alex he wants to have a scan first as he wants to be 100 per cent sure before operating.

"He said he would come in and play for us, but he was struggling last week and I wouldn't expect him back tomorrow."

As well as the new signings, Broadbent will welcome the 'transfer-tied' Scott Rhodes into the squad, while Aussie Trevor Krause is expected to play contrary to reports elsewhere.

A family bereavement back in Australia looked to deny the Knights of Krause, but the likeable half-back looks set to stay on.

Meanwhile, trialist Lance Hamilton, the former Chorley Lynx back-row, is unlikely to play any part in tomorrow's match, but Broadbent will continue to monitor his progress over the next week.

Squad: Smith, Sheriffe, Clarke/Lloyd, Callaghan, Molloy, Thaler, Krause, Broadbent, Robinson, Hayes, Embleton, Fletcher, Ramsden, Beever, Burland, Bolus, Rhodes.

Updated: 10:45 Saturday, April 12, 2003