Cup-tie lift for Knights

It was thought the famous old ground had seen its last rugby league action in October when Hull FC played a 'farewell to the Boulevard' friendly against the touring New Zealand side - when new Knights signing Lee Jackson was named man of the match.

It had been home to Hull - also a former club of Knights player-coach Paul Broadbent - for 107 years before their move to new Kingston Communications Stadium, which it will share with Hull City Football Club.

But the gates to the arena, which now has a 12,000 capacity, will open one more time to accommodate local amateurs Skirlaugh, who have switched their home tie against the Knights from their small Twin Towers Sports Complex in Hedon.

Yet to be decided, however, is the day of the match. Skirlaugh want to play on Friday night, January 24, though the Knights want to play as normal on a Sunday, January 26.

Knights chief executive Steve Ferres said: "I've requested that the game be played on the Sunday and there will be a meeting about it tonight."

Meanwhile, the Knights have signed another front-rower in 22-year-old David Bolus.

As reported by the Evening Press last week, the former Dewsbury and Doncaster prop was to play in the friendly against Oldham on Sunday before the match was postponed, but he has impressed Broadbent enough in training to earn a one-year deal.

Ferres said: "He played for the Wakefield Academy when I was (chief executive) there three years ago.

"Everyone we sign on has the ability and the chance to play in the first 13 and it's up to them to promote themselves. We intend to have competition for all places."

The Knights' first-ever fixture - the friendly at home to Wakefield Trinity Wildcats (kick-off 2.30pm) on Sunday - will be subject to an 11.30am pitch inspection. Last weekend's friendly at home to Oldham had to be called off after an 11am inspection because of a frozen pitch.

Updated: 12:39 Wednesday, January 08, 2003