CRAIG Farrell won't let reunions get in the way of business tomorrow night as York City Knights seek their first success of 2006.

The Knights will look to get off the Northern Rail Cup mark as they visit Sheffield Eagles and for Farrell, and a few other players, it will be a meeting of old pals.

But while the powerful three-quarter recognises the threat posed by former team-mates in the South Yorkshire side, he said the Knights have got enough in them to bounce back from last week's opening defeat to Hull KR.

"I know Gary Wilkinson really well," said Farrell of Sheffield's new head coach.

"He took me to Hull KR when he was in charge there and was at Doncaster (on the back-room staff) last year for a time when I was there.

"I know Paul Fletcher really well and a few more of their players. They've got a good squad together but so have we and we have to go there feeling confident."

Fletcher will be one of several former Hull KR players on show, in addition to the ex-Robins contingent in York's line-up. Others in Sheffield's squad are fellow packmen Paul Pickering and Andy Smith, as well as Craig Poucher and Alasdair McClarron, while Farrell will also be catching up with ex-Doncaster team-mates Martin Ostler, Tom Buckenham and Jonny Woodcock - the latter brace having York links, too.

"They had a really good result against Featherstone last weekend," added Farrell. "It should be a tight game but we're more than capable of beating them."

The Knights are still seeking their first win of the year, the loss to Hull KR having followed three pre-season defeats to Super League clubs, but Farrell said the mood was far from gloomy.

"There were plenty of positives," he said of last week's defeat in which York were down to 12 men for virtually all the game.

"We did not show much attacking-wise with the ball but we did not have much of it and we were tired from defending a lot.

"With a full complement of players and better control we should get over the whitewash a bit more."

Head coach Mick Cook will also be seeing familiar faces tomorrow having spent a decade as a player at Sheffield.

"I know they like to make it a fortress at Don Valley Stadium.

"It will be a tough game and they will be backing themselves.

"They're flying high from going to Featherstone and getting a good result but it's down to us to bounce back from Sunday and go down there and play well."

Knights buses

PICK-UP points and times through York for the Supporters' Club buses tomorrow are: New Lane (opposite Anthea Drive) 17.05pm; Clarence Street (opposite vets) 17.15pm; Blossom Street (opposite Odeon) 17.30pm; and Tadcaster Road (outside Marriott Hotel) 17.45pm. All times subject to delay due to Friday night traffic, but please ensure you are there on time. All calls for booking to usual mobile number (07958 569266) stating pick-up point and

membership number.

Updated: 09:02 Thursday, February 16, 2006