LEIGH Paul-Rientoul has changed his mind a little about the Challenge Cup - now it’s all about his York Acorn ARLC side reaching round three.

Head coach Paul-Rientoul was previously using the initial ties almost as warm-ups for their National Conference League campaign. But, with a friendly having recently been arranged for this Saturday at home to Skirlaugh (1.30pm), and with the Blue and Golds now only 80 minutes away from a potential money-spinner against a semi-pro club, focus has changed.

Acorn shot down the RAF last weekend to reach round two, with Tuesday night’s draw sending them to Myton Warriors, a side who have replaced them in the NCL premier division. League One teams enter in round three, Acorn having memorably got there 12 months ago, being rewarded with a memorable derby against York City Knights.

“I don’t think there will be much between the sides,” said Paul-Rientoul of the Myton tie, which is cheduled for Saturday, February 11. “They’ve gone up and we’ve come down. A home draw would have been a lot better but you have to take it. It could’ve been worse.

“We’ve got this charity match this Saturday and we’ll use that as pre-season, meaning we don’t need to use the cup for that.

“I’ve coached a couple of Myton’s players with Yorkshire. They’re a close-knit team who’ve been together a few years - they don’t seem to recruit players or lose players.

“They went through the divisions after joining the NCL right up to the premier. They came down but have gone back up again now and will look to stay there.”

Saturday’s charity match, which will be preceded by a curtain-raiser between Acorn U9s and Heworth U9s, will raise money for the family of Katie Rough, who tragically died last month.

Jordan Potter will get a first run-out since his knee reconstruction, while half-back Tim Elliot, who made only six appearances last year due to other commitments, will also feature, possibly in a new role at hooker.

Said Paul-Rientoul: “Timmy has been an (amateur) international so it’d be good to have him back playing regularly. I’m going to select 20 lads, including some who didn’t get to play the RAF. We’ll have a look at things and give people a chance to stake a claim for a shirt.”