ST HELENS captain Jon Wilkin was quick to tip Greg Minikin for a career in Super League after seeing York City Knights’ emerging centre at first hand.

He also reckoned the League One part-timers' performance in Friday night’s Ladbrokes Challenge Cup encounter showed again the talent in the divisions below the top tier.

The Super League champions as expected won the sixth-round tie but the 46-6 scoreline was much closer than bookmakers had predicted, with the likes of Minikin, and second-rows Ed Smith and Josh Tonks among those to enhance their growing reputations.

Furthermore, The Press understands that, on the back of the game, Saints are set to join the list of Super League sides keeping detailed tabs on some of James Ford’s young guns, with Minikin, 20, and Smith, 22, thought to be particularly on their radar.

“There’s a gulf in standards between Super League and the other competitions, but I think York acquitted themselves very well,” said England international Wilkin of the tie.

“They’re obviously a very young side but they had bags of enthusiasm and showed quality.

“Greg Minikin, the centre, was outstanding. How he’s not in Super League I don’t know.

“There were a few others as well. I thought it was a great performance from York and it’ll be a good experience for them to come to Langtree Park and play against us.”

Full-back Ben Dent was another player to catch the eye – a player Wilkin revealed he already knew about through Joe Tripp.

“I know the Dent brothers, Ben and Adam. Joe Tripp, who was my first junior coach in Hull, is their uncle and he was here supporting York.

“They’re a good side. I played against York a few times when I was at Hull KR a few years ago and I always enjoyed it. I think they will be really pleased with how they played.”

Wilkin also revealed his team - as well as the bookies who had given York a 62-point on the handicap coupon - had been caught out by the part-timers.

“We didn’t hit our goals as such,” he said. “I’d say York would be happier than we were. We should be getting 50 points and we should be looking to nil teams from that competition. But credit to York.

“Games like these are good exercises. It’s a great opportunity to see what fantastic players the Championship and League One have and are developing.

“I came from the Championship myself. Super League clubs’ recruitment should be focused on these competitions – you get ready-made talented players who are of Super League standard.

“York had a few who surely won’t be playing League One or Championship rugby for more longer, and it’s credit to them.”