Big-gun Knights quartet expected to tackle Hull (From York Press)

Big-gun Knights quartet expected to tackle Hull

12:00pm Thursday 19th January 2012 in Knights RL By Peter Martini, peter.martini@thepress.co.uk

CHRIS THORMAN is set to unleash more of his big guns when York City Knights take on Hull on Saturday night – though he says there is no pressure on any to shine straight away.

Former Super League prop Paul King and second-row Tommy Haughey are likely to don the Knights shirt for the first time, with King’s bow having been delayed by a hamstring niggle in the last few weeks, while bruiser Haughey has been unavailable due to family commitments.

Thorman, who has sat out the opening two friendlies, will also lace his boots for his first outing since taking over as player-boss, joining forces at half-back with marquee signing Jordan Tansey.

For King, Thorman and not least Tansey, who was sacked by Hull on the eve of last season, it will be a game against their former club, who are expected to field a few senior players in a predominantly under-20s side.

The Airlie Birds’ first team play a pre-season derby against Hull KR on Sunday but it is expected that a few players, including new signing Jamie Ellis, will play 40 minutes each day.

Ellis, who has joined from Leigh, with whom he won the Championship Player of the Year award last term, is set to start at half-back alongside Danny Nicklas, a first-team squad member of whom big things are expected. Nicklas missed virtually all of last season with injury.

It is the opposing half-backs, however, who will be the centre of focus for York fans, with two pre-season games to go before the Northern Rail Cup kicks off.

Thorman and Tansey played together at Hull in 2009 after the latter’s July move from Sydney Roosters, but Tansey was deployed in his favoured full-back position, so these friendlies will be used for the pair to forge a potent understanding.

York’s desire for a senior playmaker alongside Thorman has been well documented, so, even with rookies Lee Williams and Brett Turner showing up well, it is odds on the ex-KC Stadium duo will be the first-choice half-backs.

Thorman said: “It’ll be the first time we’ve played together in these positions. I’m not expecting miracles. It will be good for myself just to get out there and get involved on the pitch, to make tackles and get tackled.

“It will take time for it to come to fruition. There’s no pressure. It will just be nice to get a good hit-out against a strong Hull FC side.”

As for King, Thorman added: “He trained well on Tuesday night, doing plenty of extras too, trying to prove the point that he’s all right now. If he comes through (tonight’s training session) I think he will be good to go.”

Haughey has caused damage when playing at centre in the past, not least against York for Hunslet and Featherstone, but he is set to be used at second-row this time out.

Thorman said: “He provides a bit of versatility and it’s good to have that but I think back row is his best position.”

The fact the Knights missed out on bringing former Bradford back-rower Michael Worrincy to Huntington Stadium last week might play a part in that thinking, especially with Thorman saying the club are “not in the market for someone in the immediate term” as a replacement recruit.

As for Worrincy’s late switch to Leigh, Thorman said: “It was a bit disappointing but these things happen. More importantly, how well has Ed Smith been playing? Rhys Clarke and James Houston have been doing really well too, and we haven’t even seen Tommy Haughey yet. I think we’re fairing all right in that position.

“There are a few boys who will have deserved a crack in the Northern Rail Cup and for the timebeing I’m more than happy with how it’s going.”