GARY THORNTON says it will be “a miracle” if York City Knights return from France with anything other than a heavy Tetley’s Challenge Cup defeat – but remains hopeful the trip will aid his club in the long run.

His side were already massive underdogs against Super League force Catalans Dragons, especially when travelling to their fortress Stade Gilbert Brutus. And this week the chances of an away win were reduced further after the depth of injury woes became apparent.

Two trialists, Joe Picketts and Ash Haynes, are in the 19-man travelling party, with Picketts set to play, and seven more in the squad have been called up from the under-20s reserves. For Ben Dent, George Elliott, Jack Iley and, more so, Tyler Craig and teenagers Greg Minikin and Harry Carter, it is a rare excursion in first grade.

But Thornton hopes the experience gained by the plethora of youngsters, plus the money the tie makes for the Huntington Stadium club, will prove beneficial.

“It will be a miracle to get anything near a win. If we go there and win and I don’t get coach of the year, something isn’t right,” joked Thornton. “We’ve got to be realistic. I imagine they (Catalans) might have a few coming back from injury and they will be looking for a reaction after their defeat to Wakefield. How many Super League teams go there and win as it is? Not many. Look at their record at home – this is a tough experience.

“There’s generally a 60-point difference these days between a decent Super League side and a decent Championship team. Sheffield (Championship champions) lost 68-6 here last year. However, we won’t go into the game to lose – we will go to give it our best shot and see what comes. There’s a lot of youth and enthusiasm in there, with people wanting to push through for regular first-team spots. “We’ve got to go with the right attitude. These young guys want to show what they can do and one or two have points to prove.

“We’re going in as massive underdogs but we’re going with enthusiastic players and if we can stay with them for as long as we can then you never know.”

Thornton admitted his biggest worry is the effect a heavy defeat might have on his youngsters, mentally and physically, adding: “That’s why we have to play to our best. It might be damage limitation in some respects, but we don’t want to get shown up.

“We will do the best we can and play with smiles on our faces and enjoy the occasion. I can’t ask for more than that from this group of players. It’s backs-to-the-wall – but then I had a similar feeling against Featherstone and we went and won. You never know in rugby league.”

Skipper James Ford, Sam Scott and Jack Latus all failed to come through training on Thursday night. Jack Lee, Adam Sullivan, Nathan Freer, Jack Pickles and long-term crocks Jason Golden, Matt Nicholson and Sam Orange were already out. Dual-reg and loan players were unavailable. That amounts to a virtual full first team left at home.

Of the new crocks, Thornton said: “They’re not long-termers and we’re hoping they will be available when the league resumes if not for next week’s Northern Rail Cup tie (against Doncaster).

“We’re protecting them a bit, making sure we’re as strong as we can be for the league.”

Thornton added of the expected gate at the Stade Gilbert Brutus: “We’re hoping for a decent turn-out and for a bit of a boost to the coffers.

“Our home gates are down and we haven’t made anything from the previous two cup-ties so it would be good to recoup what we lost there and make a bit of profit.

“Sheffield played here last year and Simon Brown and Sam Scott (ex-Eagles) said there was 5,000 to 6,000. Something like that would be fantastic.”

Daryl Millard and Louis Anderson have recovered from injury to take their place in the hosts’ 19-man squad.

Knights (probable): Carr, B Dent, Browne, Minikin, Elliott, Brown, Presley, Potter, Brining, Aldous, Lyons, Smith, Iley. Subs: Carter, Bell, Stenchion, Picketts. 18th/19th men: Craig, A Haynes.

Referee: Thierry Alibert (France).

 

DRAGONS in focus

Last year: 4th in Super League.

Current standing: 5th in Super League.

Coach: Laurent Frayssinous.

Squad for tomorrow: Blanch, Pryce, Taia, Bosc, Henderson, Casty, Anderson, Mounis, Barthau, Maria, Pelissier, Larroyer, Millard, Pala, Simon, Fakir, Duport, Baile, Escaré.

One to watch: Thomas Bosc – French great with armoury to tear teams apart.

Partnership club: None.

Season prediction: Usually superb at home and should be in with some kind of shout in the Super League play-offs, depending on fitness and form at the business end of the season. Challenge Cup finalists in 2007, this competition probably provides their best chance of glory.

Ground: Stade Gilbert Brutus.

Miles from York: 1,007 (by road); 801 (as the crow flies).