NEW Heworth ARLC head coach Scott Rhodes has lauded the efforts of his players over pre-season as they get set to kick off their new campaign.

The former York City Knights captain and York Acorn boss took over the reins across the city at Elmpark Way in the autumn - rejoining the club with whom he first took up the game as a junior.

His team, featuring several new faces, go to Skirlaugh Bulls on Saturday (2.30pm) for their opening fixture in the expanded Yorkshire Men's League's Forty-20 Cup - assuming the game beats the wintry weather.

And, while some of their pre-season preparations have been hampered, Rhodes cannot fault his new troops' dedication.

"It's been difficult with the weather so we're a bit behind in some aspects," he explained.

"We haven't had a proper training session on grass yet - we've been using the Astroturf at Burnholme - so it's hard to get over how we want to play and we haven't been able to do a lot of general ball work.

"That's been a pain but you have to make do. We just have to work as hard as we can.

"I've been over the moon with the application and effort the boys have put in.

"They've all trained really hard. I can't knock them - they've been fantastic since I've come in and have bought into what I've wanted to do."

Rhodes enjoyed a pro career with Leeds, Sheffield, Dewsbury and the Knights, also winning Scotland caps. He ended his playing days with Acorn before becoming their head coach from October 2010 to May 2016, twice guiding them into amateur rugby league's elite tier, the National Conference League premier division, with a relegation in between.

He added: "I'm enjoying it again and that's been a big plus for me. We have a decent chance to do well."

Heworth, formerly of the NCL, dropped to the Yorkshire Men's League in 2015 and finished last season fifth in division one, below both Acorn 'A' and fellow city rivals New Earswick All Blacks.

They will have to cover the big loss of star playmaker Liam Jackson, the York & District Player of the Year, after he signed for the Knights - although he could yet make some appearances for the Villagers on dual-registration.

Winger Callum Worthington has also left to try his luck in the NCL with Acorn, while packman Mark Hayes has rejoined New Earswick.

There are some notable incomers, however.

Former Knights squadman Adam Dent has committed to the club, forward Adam Speck has joined from Acorn, and George Mosey, who played for Rhodes at Thanet Road and spent time on Featherstone's books, is also now at Elmpark Way.

Former New Earswick juniors Will Ireland, a half-back, and Cameron Taylor, a full-back or winger, are also among those now on board.

Ex-Leeds and Knights star George Elliott, Heworth's player-coach for the last two seasons, will arguably be the biggest key man in the team, having stayed in the playing ranks.

"We've lost a couple of players and gained a couple. That's natural," said Rhodes.

"We've had good numbers down for both a first and second team.

"Coming to Heworth, you're going to get all different abilities, but there is quality in there, and the club have worked hard to get the facilities I need. If we play well, we will win games. I have no doubt about that."

Asked if the team had set targets for 2018, Rhodes said: "Not at the moment. I know through experience you could have your best 17 out one week and another week have to make a lot of changes. Things don't always go to plan. We will take each game as it comes."

Heworth are in a Forty-20 Cup group with Skirlaugh, Keighley Albion and Wibsey Warriors.

There are eight pools in all and, after round-robin games, the group winners go through to quarter-finals.

Cup holders New Earswick - who had a great debut season in the Yorkshire Men's League last year after switching from winter rugby - are in with Nottingham Outlaws, whom they are scheduled to host on Saturday (2.30pm), Lindley Swifts and Queensbury.

Acorn 'A' are grouped with Birstall Victoria, Cutsyke Raiders and Elland. Saturday's opening fixture at Birstall has already been called off because of snow.

It has been confirmed, meanwhile, that All Blacks will play this season in the YML premier division after topping division one last year but missing out on the official title after losing to Norland Sharks in the play-off final.

York Lokomotive have also been promoted to division three after finishing second in division four last year.

Heworth and Acorn 'A' remain in division one.