JAMES FORD is relishing the chance for his new-look York City Knights side to test themselves against “some of the best players in the world” – and put to one side the club’s off-field strife.

The Knights will have nine new faces on view as they take on a potentially star-studded Hull FC in their first friendly of pre-season at Doncaster’s Keepmoat Stadium tomorrow (4.45pm).

The fixture has had to be switched from Bootham Crescent due to the controversial community stadium saga that has left the club currently homeless and with an uncertain future, but Ford says his charges are focused on and greatly looking forward to their first hit-out.

“I think it will be a welcome change in people’s attention,” he said, delighted to be getting back to rugby matters.

“The players are very focussed on this game. It’s a key part of our preparations, trying out one or two things we’ve been working on, especially defensively.

“I’ve stressed this game is all about the performance, not the outcome, as regards the little things we’ve been working on, seeing where we are as a group and as individuals.”

Tomorrow’s clash is part of a double-header, with hosts Doncaster also taking on a Hull team. Airlie Birds boss Lee Radford has said he will put a mix of youth and experience into both his two line-ups but it is thought the majority of his first-teamers will be involved in the York match. They could include the likes of new arrivals Leon Pryce, Mark Sneyd and Mark Minichiello.

“I spoke to Lee over Christmas and he said they’ll be fielding a strong squad, with the intention of playing potentially his top team against us,” said Ford.

“My guys are excited by that and looking forward to testing themselves against some of the best players in the world.”

York will field a new-look back line, with Josh Nicklin, who was released by Hull in the autumn, getting a start at full-back, alongside other new recruits Nev Morrison, Pete Aspinall and Jamel Chisholm in the threequarters.

With Jonny Presley sidelined by a slight rib injury, first-choice full-back James Haynes will partner Pat Smith at half-back, but is likely to make way at some point for trialist James Glover, who has arrived at York from Featherstone Rovers.

New player/assistant-coach Mark Applegarth starts at prop, while other new faces on the bench are Brad Nicholson, the returning Jay Leary and Jake Joynt, and Elliot Bulmer, the former Heworth ARLC junior released by Hull KR.

Sitting it out alongside Presley are Josh Tonks (hamstring), Kris Brining (shoulder/neck) and Greg Minikin (hamstring).

Asked if it was difficult to judge where the Knights are in their build-up to League One action against a team literally in a different league, Ford said: “We will be tested – they’re a Super League team who have spent heavily and have some outstanding talent.

“We will be tested mentally and physically but it’s a good opportunity to see how we fare and in what areas we need to carry on working hard.”

Knights: Nicklin, B Dent, Morrison, Aspinall, Chisholm, P Smith, Haynes, Applegarth, Carter, Aldous, E Smith, Mallinder, Roche. Subs: A Dent, Craig, Glover, Nicholson, Joynt, Leary, Pickles, Bulmer, Iley.