YORK City Knights boss James Ford is hoping tonight's Challenge Cup clash at Dewsbury Rams will prove an extra special occasion for three of his troops.

As revealed by The Press, Ford will make Austin Buchanan captain for the day as he returns to the ground he graced for a decade, while fellow former Dewsbury player Josh Tonks is vice-captain – a decision supported by regular incumbents Jack Aldous and Mike Emmett.

The fifth round tie (8pm) will also be a landmark 100th appearance for York for Mark Applegarth.

Ford said: “Jack and Mike recognise that it will a special occasion for Austin and Josh and we wanted them to know we acknowledge it and that we’ll go there and try to do them proud.

“Austin’s got outstanding leadership qualities whether he’s got the armband or not.

“He contributes to that part of our performance in training and on game day.

“He is going back to where he’s fondly remembered by the supporters, players, coaches and staff, and I wanted to make it a little bit special for him.

“Josh was a regular feature in Dewsbury’s team under Warren Jowitt when he was their coach.

“I remember playing against him and he was always a good player – very committed, a strong runner and someone who played with a lot of energy.

“Unfortunately for whatever reason it didn’t work out for him there – but that was our gain and he will be looking to show the players and supporters at Dewsbury that he’s a good player and they made a mistake letting him go.

“We want him to know we’ll be fully behind him. He’s one of ours.”

Player/assistant-coach Applegarth, meanwhile, makes his 100th appearance for the Knights tonight – 34 appearances having come since he returned to the club 17 months ago to add to the 65 in his first stint between 2008 and mid-2010. The prop was the team's only ever-present in both 2009 and 2015.

In addition to 58 appearances for Batley and 27 at Super League level for first club Wakefield, plus a spell playing Queensland Cup rugby in Australia for Central Queensland Comets, it all amounts to a fine career for the 31-year-old.

“It’s a good achievement to make 100 appearances for the club, and probably in every single appearance he will have worked really hard – he certainly has done for me" said Ford.

“I remember playing against Mark and he always worked hard in attack and defence. He always does a lot of the work that might not look spectacular but is very important for the team.

“For him to maintain his levels of performance for so long is a really commendable effort.”