YORK City Knights have lined up Super League giants Leeds Rhinos for a pre-season clash at Huntington Stadium.

As exclusively revealed on this website yesterday, the friendly, scheduled for Sunday, January 25, is likely to bring a bumper crowd to the Monks Cross ground.

And among the several potential debutants for the Knights could be the latest recruit, Jim Elston, the highly-rated 23-year-old who yesterday signed from Dewsbury Rams.

The Rhinos, who finished second in the Super League standings this season, are likely to bring a strong squad to York for the January clash, one week before the National League season kicks off with the first Arriva Trains Cup fixtures.

Although it is unlikely to be Leeds' strongest 17, several first teamers, new signings and fringe players are likely to be given a run by new coach Tony Smith.

"He will want to have a look at players including those in the first team," said Knights chief executive Steve Ferres, who lauded the pre-season friendly.

"It will be a very competitive side. It's not their intention to send reserve grade, they intend to field a strong team. They've got a new coach who will be keen to look at players and that will include a number of first team players.

"It will be a big part of their preparations as much as will be a big part of Richard Agar's (new Knights coach) preparations."

The Knights have already lined up a friendly against National League One side Hull KR for Sunday, January 4, which will also be captain Richie Hayes' testimonial match. Ticket prices for both games have yet to be confirmed.

Ferres added: "It (the Leeds game) will be our last game before our season starts and it will be a game to get things right."

Elston, meanwhile, signed on the dotted line yesterday, snubbing what the Press believes to be better financial offers from Division One clubs Featherstone and Batley, as well as the Rams, to come to York. The ex-Wakefield Trinity teenager also had talks with the Wildcats regarding a possible move back to Super League.

Elston, who turns 24 and comes out of contract at Ram Stadium next month, will provide strong competition at half-back and hooker. He could also provide cover on the flanks.

Knights coach Agar said: "We got stiff competition for his signature but he's chosen to join us for what he sees as the right reasons and we're really pleased to have him.

"We've got Scott (Rhodes) and Danny (Brough) at half-back and Lee Jackson at hooker. Add Jim Elston and it's a good mix. With Jim, you should look at what role he can play in the side, not just the number on his back. He's got great utility value and very explosive pace, he's a great support player and in a struggling side last year he was a leading light."

The new-look Knights squad will have their first get-together of pre-season tonight before training proper starts on Tuesday.

The unveiling of the new Knights strip, due to be today, has been put back as the Knights are now in discussions with another possible sponsor in addition to the other shirt sponsors, so the full design is not yet complete.

Kit manufacturers Kukri have again got the deal to make the shirts, which are now likely to be unveiled in a month's time. Evening Press readers will still see it first.

Updated: 10:53 Thursday, November 06, 2003