SCOTT RHODES is dreaming of reaching round three of the Challenge Cup - and a derby date with York City Knights.

Rhodes, the former Knights captain, takes his York Acorn ARLC side to Shaw Cross Sharks on Saturday (2pm) in another attempt to play their first round tie after last week's postponement.

The second round draw pits the victors away to fellow National Conference division one outfit Normanton, and Rhodes reckons both are winnable games.

Round three is where League One clubs enter.

Said the former Knights play-maker: "Our record at Shaw Cross isn't great to be fair, but both games last year were very close and we've got a lot of young players who are a year older and a year better.

"I can see them progressing in training.

"We're just looking forward to the game. We've got Normanton in the next round, too, and that's two winnable game there for us.

"They're both away, which doesn't help, but I think it's a decent draw.

"Let's hope we win and then get a money-spinner in round three."

Asked whom he would want should they get that far, he laughed: "Isn't that obvious?

"A big game against York City Knights - that would be good. It would have to be at our place though."

Rhodes last week bemoaned the timing of the Cup fixtures, the first round being staged five weeks before their NCL campaign kicks off.

The postponement due to the weather affords his team an extra week's pre-season training, but he added: "To be fair I would rather have played last week. The lads are itching for a game and everyone thought it was going to be on.

"We've been training pretty well and we'd done our preparations for the game, but unfortunately it was called off.

"However, we go again this week - and as it happens we've got more players available so selection becomes harder."

Experienced props Nic Caldwell and Martin McTigue and threequarters Jamie Stuart and Gareth Singleton are among those back in contention.

Teenage hooker Lewis Lord, a former England international at junior level, also returns after missing 2014 with a back injury.

Lauded Rhodes: "Lewis comes back in at nine and he's a very good player and will give us a lot.

"He's been training hard and looks fit and ready to go. I think he'll be a fantastic addition this year."

Caldwell, who returns from winter rugby with New Earswick All Blacks, will be one of Rhodes' assistants this year, working alongside Paul Lumley and team manager Terry Parker.

New Earswick, whose last two games away to title rivals in Pennine League championship one have been fallen foul of the weather, hope to get back in action at home to Odsal Sedbergh (2.30pm).

On paper it should as a gentle warm-up for tougher tasks ahead, Odsal lying bottom without a point while All Blacks have a 100 per cent record at White Rose Avenue.

Sherburn Bears go to division four rivals Wakefield City (2.30pm) for a Supplementary Cup third round match.

Selby Warriors' tie against Worth Village has been postponed.