YORK City Knights reserves will be back in a league competition this year - but with a late change of rules forcing the club to amend their outlook.

The Rugby Football League initially planned to change the competition from under-20s to U23s, still with a restricted number of overage players permitted, but they have now decided to make it an old-fashioned open-age championship.

This means more players who do not get into the first team can still have competitive run-outs.

But in turn it has caused the Knights to amend their reserves roster, fearing some 16 and 17-year- olds would now find the step up too big - especially with the high calibre of clubs involved.

But another new rule means teams can recruit a number of players on “terms and conditions" contracts which do not allow them to play for the first team but, importantly, do allow them to play for community clubs.

There is also no longer a limit on the number of trialists teams can field in reserve games.

Knights reserves boss Mick Ramsden explained: “When we originally decided to run with a reserve team we began putting a squad together for U20s but come December they were talking of lifting it to U23s. Now they’ve made it an open-age competition, as of this month.

“I’d assembled a squad of players which included younger players, even for U20s, but there’s no way we can put these lads into matches at this level.

“The squad will comprise players dropping down from first-grade which in itself is great as it means they still get match-time, but it does mean some reserve-grade players won’t be picked.

“However, the RFL have set up a ‘terms and conditions’ contract system which allows six players to sign for reserve rugby but also be allowed to play for their amateur teams.

“This is something we’ve been requesting for a while, as it doesn’t stop them from playing if they’re not selected for our reserves, even if limiting it to six is still a bit restrictive.”

Ramsden’s teams this year will therefore comprise a mix of first- team squad men not selected for League One action and lads on terms and conditions contracts hoping to win a full deal.

The occasional teenager could still be thrown in as a “trialist” and Ramsden is hoping that group of 16 to 17-year-olds will still train with the Knights while being able to play for their amateur teams at junior or open-age level.

Ramsden added: “All the players throughout the club will play to the same structures as the first team so anyone can step up and understand what to do.”

York withdrew from the reserves league last year because of the far-flung teams and travel costs involved, and instead organised friendly fixtures - only to see those games dry up.

However, the 2015 competition comprises four other clubs from Yorkshire and one from Lancashire, making it more affordable.

The standard is likely to be tougher, too, with Championship big-guns Leigh, Featherstone, Sheffield and Dewsbury, along with League One foes Keighley, involved.

They will play each other three times in the regular season, with the Knights’ home games at York RUFC’s Clifton Park.

Ramsden said: “It’s good we’re going to get regular fixtures again, and it’s obviously going to be a very tough league.

“You never know what team you’ll face. Leigh, for example, could have a few injuries so a number of players get called into their first team. But they could also come with a full-strength reserve side, which could be as strong as our first team.

“But it’s a good competition for the lads to play in, especially the first-teamers who come to us as it keeps their eye in and gives them a good test.”

Knights reserves fixtures: Thurs, April 9: Sheffield Eagles (H) 8pm; Thurs, April 23: Leigh Centurions (A) 7.45pm; Thurs, April 30: Featherstone Rovers (H) 8pm; Thurs, May 7: Keighley Cougars (A) 7.30pm; Thurs, May 21: Dewsbury Rams (H) 8pm; Thurs, June 4: Leigh Centurions (H) 8pm; Sun, June 13: Featherstone Rovers (A) 2.30pm; Thurs, June 18: Keighley Cougars (H) 8pm; Thurs, July 2: Dewsbury Rams (A) 7.30pm; Sat, July 11: Sheffield Eagles (A) 2pm; Thurs, July 16: Leigh Centurions (H) 8pm; Sat, July 25: Featherstone Rovers (A) 2.30pm; Thurs, August 6: Dewsbury Rams (H) 8pm; Thurs, August 13: Keighley Cougars (A) 7.30pm; Sat, August 22: Sheffield Eagles (A) 2pm.