ENGLAND full-back Richie Mathers will head up the Leeds Rhinos team who will tackle York City Knights on Sunday (3pm kick-off).

The 22-year-old was one of the stars of the season at Headingley with 14 tries in 29 games, as he built on his super display in the 2004 Grand Final victory over Bradford Bulls.

Former Wakefield Trinity prop Chris Feather is half-way through his four-year contract at Leeds and will be hoping to make a big impression in 2006 after dropping down the pecking order last season.

Fans should also see Aussie hooker Shane Millard have his first away outing in Rhinos' colours following his switch from Widnes Vikings. Millard has signed a one-year deal and is seen as a direct replacement for Andrew Dunemann, who has joined Salford.

Making the move in the opposite direction is former Great Britain centre Nathan McAvoy. The former City Red was on the Leeds bench in the Boxing Day friendly win over Wakefield and is expected to figure against the Knights.

As previously reported, Peter Fox and Ian Kirke, who were both integral to the Knights' National Two championship-winning set-up, will be facing their old team-mates.

Fox, who scored 21 NL2 tries for York last season, will be hoping to use the game in his attempt to stake a claim for a Super League place.

Others in Leeds' squad for Sunday with first team experience include England prop Nick Scruton, Ashley Gibson, who scored a hat-trick on his senior debut - a 74-0 thumping of Leigh in August - and England Academy full-back Carl Ablett.

Gibson scored a couple of tries against Wakefield on Boxing Day, while youngsters Danny Williams and Jordan Tansey, who also got on the scoresheet that day are included in the squad to face York.

Leeds Rhinos squad: Richie Mathers, Danny Williams, Ashey Gibson, Nathan McAvoy, Peter Fox, Chaz I'Anson, Jordan Tansey, Nick Scruton, Shane Millard, Chris Feather, Ian Kirke, Dave Tootill, Carl Ablett, Jason Hart, Liam Halliday, Jamie I'Anson, Luke Burgess.

Meanwhile, First York is to increase its match-day service as part of its renewed sponsorship of the Knights.

The bus company has put on free transport to Huntington Stadium matches over the past three years and the increasing popularity of the scheme, plus the fact bigger crowds are expected for the promoted Knights' first season in National League One, has seen it agree to put on a fourth service this season, running from Hull Road.

Knights operational manager Chris Clinton said: "The club are grateful First York has agreed to continue the excellent service they have provided for the club since its inception. The response from the supporters has proved the value of this sponsorship as shown with the expansion of the service this year."

First York's commercial director, Peter Edwards, said: "We have been proud to be associated with the Knights over the past three seasons, and the fact there is demand for a fourth free bus is testimony to the popularity and success of the Knights - and long may it continue."

The free match-day buses, which will be in operation for the Leeds game on Sunday, will run from:

Thanet Road (Edmund Wilson Baths) 2pm, Stonebow job centre 2.20pm; Burton Stone Lane (Corner House) 2pm, Lowther Street shops 2.20pm; York railway station 2.20pm; Hull Road (back of Badger Hill shops) 2.10pm, Tang Hall Lane (opposite Co-op) 2.15pm, Bad Bargain Lane (opposite Burnholme School) 2.20pm, Ashley Park Bridge 2.25pm, Woodlands Grove (opposite end to Elmpark Way) 2.30pm.

These pick-up times apply for 3pm kick-offs. They will vary accordingly for evening kick-offs.

All return buses will leave Huntington Stadium 15 minutes after the final hooter.

Updated: 10:52 Wednesday, January 11, 2006