MARK APPLEGARTH admits to being unsure of what to expect in League One this season ahead of tomorrow’s opener at Keighley Cougars - but reckons it will be a tough division to get out of regardless.

The prop forward back with York City Knights as player/ assistant coach, has not played in the third tier of domestic rugby league since May 2010, when he cut short his third season at Huntington Stadium to move to Australia.

The division has altered since then, with the introduction of five more expansion clubs, the latest being Coventry Bears this year.

The RL restructure has also seen a big change from last term, not only with a new name - League One instead of Championship One - but with Barrow, Rochdale, North Wales Crusaders, Swinton and Keighley all relegated to make it a tougher 14-team tier.

Gateshead have also been rebranded as Newcastle Thunder.

And, while Applegarth has played the last three seasons back in England, that has been spent in the Championship at Batley Bulldogs.

Said the 30-year-old: “In terms of the Championship and League One, it’s changed a bit since I last played in this (League One) tier, not least with the new clubs.

“I’m not sure what to expect, but I’m sure it will be tough no matter what.

“There are normally two divisions in a division and it will be interesting to see how it pans out over the first half of the season.

“I know Keighley are a good side and they were unlucky to go down. It’ll be a tough starter for us.”

Asked if the unfancied expansion clubs at least provide some easier games, Applegarth said: “We’re under no illusions that it will be a tough league.

“Look at all the teams that have dropped down, and then there are teams like us and Oldham not wanting to have a repeat of last year when we missed out on promotion. The new clubs will also be stronger this year after the experience they’ve had.

“A lot of teams will be competitive so we’re preparing for every game to be tough.”

Of the difference between the professional tiers, he said: “The main difference is the pace of the game.

“When we played (Super League club) Hull in pre-season, for example, it was an eye-opener for a few of the young guys.

“With the physicality, I haven’t found there to be too much difference. They’re all fully grown men. The Championship is more physical in a way than Super League as players can get away with a bit more, and League One may be the same.”

Applegarth added: “We definitely can compete for promotion. We’ve got some really good quality youngsters and can mix that in with experience.

“If we keep everyone fit and ready, we’ve got a good, strong League One team that’s more than capable of winning this league.”