Knights to host Super League side Crusaders in Challenge Cup – but no windfall likely (From York Press)

Knights to host Super League side Crusaders in Challenge Cup – but no windfall likely

10:45am Tuesday 9th March 2010 in

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IT’S not the draw they wanted but York City Knights are already excited about welcoming the likes of rugby greats Brian Noble, Iestyn Harris and Gareth Thomas to Huntington Stadium.

The Knights were handed a Challenge Cup fourth round tie against controversial Welsh club Crusaders in the draw made at Warrington’s Halliwell Jones Stadium last night.

It is the first time the Championship One outfit have been given a home tie against Super League opposition since their inception in 2003 and it will see the likes of former Great Britain coach Noble, now boss of Crusaders, former GB half-back Harris, who is on his coaching staff, and rugby union legend Thomas – who made a sensational switch to rugby league only this week – come to Monks Cross.

The tie, pencilled in for Sunday, April 18, might well be one of 35-year-old Thomas’ first outings in the 13-a-side code.

The downside of the draw is that it is unlikely to be financially lucrative for the Knights given the new rules regarding Challenge Cup tickets. Season ticket holders at any professional club can get in free for the first game their club play in the competition, meaning Crusaders fans will not add much to the coffers of the shared gate.

Knights general manager Ian Wilson said: “It’s probably not the tie we wanted. It’s a home draw, though, and a Super League team so we can’t be too disappointed.

“We haven’t played a Super League team at home in a competitive fixture since the days of the old York club, so it’s a first for the Knights and something we’re looking forward to.

“We were hoping to get a Championship One side to improve our chances of going through and getting one of the bigger boys in the next round. That way it would have been more lucrative, when their fans have to pay to get in. Financially, therefore, it’s not brilliant, but the experience will be good.

“Having the likes of Brian Noble and Gareth Thomas here are certainly things to look forward to.”

Part-time clubs’ victories over Super League full-timers are increasingly rare, meaning the Welsh outfit will be long odds-on to go through.

Asked about the Knights’ hopes of causing an upset, Wilson said: “There’s always a chance. It’s obviously a big step up, and Crusaders already have a couple of wins this season so they’re doing okay.

“It will be extremely tough for us but I’m sure all the players will be looking forward to testing themselves against top-flight opposition.”

Holders Warrington have a home tie against Championship club Featherstone, while the pick of the four all-Super League ties is probably Hull, coached by former Knights boss Richard Agar, versus Super League champions Leeds.

Carnegie Challenge Cup fourth round draw: York City Knights v Crusaders, Hunslet v Oldham, Swinton v Halifax, Limoux v Leigh, Harlequins v Wakefield, St Helens v Toulouse, Widnes or Wigan St Judes v Lezignan, Catalans v Salford, Sheffield Eagles v Wigan, Siddal v Batley, Hull v Leeds, Castleford v Barrow, Warrington v Featherstone, Blackpool v Whitehaven, Huddersfield v Hull KR, Dewsbury v Bradford. Ties to be played on the weekend of April 16-18.