NEW skipper Tim Spears admits York City Knights' professionalism could face a telling test this weekend after the highs and lows of their season opener.

Spears, installed as captain for 2018, led the side out for the first time as such in last Sunday's dramatic Betfred League One defeat to odds-on title favourites Bradford Bulls in front of a record Knights crowd at Bootham Crescent.

The 33-year-old reckons that was a "missed opportunity" to begin term with a huge scalp - the former world champions only stealing the spoils on the final hooter after some controversial refereeing decisions. And he now says his team must display the attitude of winners as they face a banana skin Challenge Cup tie away to buoyant amateurs Askam.

Asked if the game, to be played at the Cumbrians' modest ground on Saturday (2.30pm), is going to be difficult to get up for after the events of last weekend, Spears said: "I think that's the test of the professional.

"Playing at Bootham Crescent in front of 4,000-plus people - you can't not get up for that.

"We have a slightly shorter turnaround for this game and we don't know too much about the opposition. There are lots of things that challenge you, but that's rugby league and the best teams find a way.

"For us, consistency will be really important across the year.

"Your preparation has to be spot-on, not just for the big games in front of 4,000 people but also in front of 300 or 400 up at Askam on a Saturday afternoon.

"That's a challenge for a professional. Your attitude has to be right."

Asked if playing on Saturday, to suit the home team, rather than the usual Sunday, made a difference, Spears said: "Having lost a game, we're keen to get back on the field and get a win and put things right. There are one or two bumps and bruises as usual but it's not an issue."

The Knights had two tries controversially ruled out last Sunday, including one late on, while Bradford were awarded three penalties in the last 22 minutes - including the very last kick of the contest - with which to nick the points.

Spears said of York's performance: "There were lots of aspects to be positive about.

"We came up against a full-time side that everyone it tipping to be top of the pile, so it was pleasing to more than match them in many ways.

"The club did an exceptional job promoting the game and the spectacle itself was a good one with people having lots of praise for both teams and the game.

"But of course it was disappointing to go so close and not quite get the job done.

"It underlines the quality pre-season we've had, that we're somewhere near to where we want to be.

"On reflection, though, we had a number of opportunities we did not capitalise on.

"People will talk about the referee's calls but we've talked more about being better than that and being in a position to take the officials out of the equation.

"If we want to be challenging, we need to be taking the rub of the green and 50-50 calls out of the equation.

"We're concentrating on things that are in our control. If we fix up one or two aspects of that performance, we win that game regardless of a referee's calls."

He added: "Nothing is won in round one. It feels like an opportunity missed, having come so close - leading with five minutes or so to play and then level (before the match-winning penalty). There are mixed emotions.

"But we're looking forward. We've proved we're a good team and if we tidy up one or two things we can become a really good team.

"The mood is about looking forward, nailing our standards and putting ourselves in the position to be even better next time."

Meanwhile, on being handed the armband in his second season at York, the former Featherstone Rovers captain said: "I'm really proud to lead the boys out and captain the club.

"I was also proud of many aspects of Sunday's performance. It's a pleasure to play in games like that in front of a crowd like that.

"To be fair, within the squad we've got a solid senior leadership group and I can play my part in that and bring some experience to the role.

"I have experience of being a captain before and hopefully it won't detract from my game, which it can do for some people.

"There are certain things I can bring, as can lots of the boys. We complement each other. But it's nice to have that title, and I can try to use my experience to help get the best out of the boys."