NEW Heworth ARLC coach Scott Rhodes is happy with how things are shaping up at Elmpark Way ahead of the 2018 season, despite the cancellation of the Forty-20 Cup.

The Villagers will play only their second competitive fixture of the year when they open their Yorkshire Men’s League division one campaign on Saturday against Hull Wyke (2.30pm).

However, for the same reason that the cup competition was cancelled, it is not certain where the game will be held, as the ongoing bad weather may leave pitches unplayable.

And while former York City Knights captain Rhodes is understandably disappointed his new side has not had more time to gel in a true game situation - they won their one cup match before the competition was scrapped - he is pleased with the squad he has inherited and the additions he has made.

Rhodes said: “We were playing on the youth pitches at Heworth. It’s possible we’ll play there or at St John's (York St John University) on Haxby Road or reverse the fixture and play at Hull Wyke.

“It’s always difficult with a new coach, learning different things, plays and structures, but they’ve been progressing well and they’ve taken to me.

“The players are doing their best and they turn up in good numbers to training. I couldn’t ask for any more there."

Among the new playing staff is youngster Cameron Taylor – a former scholarship starlet at Castleford Tigers who is making a return from a broken leg – and ex-Knights winger Adam Dent. Former Knights star George Elliott, player-coach last year, continues on the playing staff too.

“The recruitment’s been good – we’ve brought five or six players in. I’m pleased, but we could do with three or four new players. We’re always on the lookout. We’ll just have to see.

“Cameron Taylor has been a good find for us and George Elliott is a fantastic player. He’s helped me a lot coming in.

“It’s a very young side. There’s plenty of potential and they’re a talented squad, but every player has got to commit and make themselves available for training and game day.

“We’re a little behind from where we need to be as a team but the lads are responding pretty well and we’re ticking over nicely.

“It’s because we have not been able to get the game time. It’s important for a new team to put the practice into real life.

“You’ve got to be positive as coach. The long-term aim is to get back into the National Conference League but, short-term, it’s to take every game as it comes and progress from last season.”

York Acorn 'A' kick off their division one season at Oulton Raiders.

Newly-promoted All Blacks begin life in the premier division at Batley Boys. Batley won all 16 of their games last year on their way to the title.

York Lokomotive start their division three season on Saturday, April 21. Tomorrow they travel to Scarborough Pirates in the North Yorkshire Invitation Cup.

Up in the elite National Conference, York Acorn host promoted Oulton Raiders in division one as they look to continue their super start to the season.