Stars to shine in big Knights curtain-raiser (From York Press)

Stars to shine in big Knights curtain-raiser

12:00pm Tuesday 17th January 2012 in Knights RL By Peter Martini, peter.martini@thepress.co.uk

FORMER York City Knights favourite Chris Smith will be back playing at Huntington Stadium on Saturday.

The 36-year-old former Wales and Super League star, who is also a previous player-coach at Heworth ARLC, is not returning to the professional arena for the Knights’ pre-season match against Hull but will be turning out for the Rugby League All Stars in their first game of 2012.

Former Great Britain star Paul Newlove, an ex-coach with Smith at Heworth, will continue as captain of the All Stars as they take on Hull-based Horners/Three Tuns ARLFC.

One-time York Wasps player Rob Roberts is also in the squad.

The game will kick off at 4.15pm and act as a curtain-raiser for Knights’ friendly against the Airlie Birds.

Former Hull prop Michael Docherty has been invited to play for the All Stars as a guest of honour after the Life For A Kid Foundation raised £10,800 for his daughter, Grace.

All Stars team: Paul Topping, Marquis Charles, Gary Atkins, Paul Newlove (captain), Ikram Butt, Chris Smith, Matt Richards, Chico Jackson, Jimmy Western, Mike Docherty, Ben Topping, Sean Day, Robert Roberts, John McCracken, Johnny Morgan, Rob Shaw, Paul Roberts, Marc Woodcock.