MICK Cook will test out his players' versatility tonight when York City Knights head to Don Valley Stadium.

The Knights play Sheffield Eagles looking to get off the mark in the Northern Rail Cup group six, and while Cook will alter the tactics to suit the opposition, he is set to run with virtually the same 17 as in last week's opening day defeat to Hull KR.

"The game-plan will change slightly, we need to play a bit differently to last week, but that's no problem to us," he explained.

"We're confident we can get a result. We know we have to play to our potential and have plenty of enthusiasm and energy and be smart about our game-plan.

"We've got a few players out but the squad we've got is strong and we're looking to get the two points to kick-start our run in the competition."

Cook tinkered with his team throughout this competition last year but the only player changes this week see Evening Press Player of the Year Adam Sullivan, who is okay following a bout of gastroenteritis, replace knee injury victim Mark Cain, and fellow front-rower Craig Forsyth come in to make up an 18-man squad.

Sullivan is likely to go in the front row, with John Smith dropping back in the pack, while Forsyth will battle with Jamie Bovill - sent off last week - David Bates and Dave Buckley for a prop's berth.

Opponents Sheffield finished out of the play-offs in National League Two last year but have recruited well since then in readiness for a promotion push this term.

Added Cook: "It will be a tough game. They will be up for it and they'll be tough on their own ground. We'll need to play well."

Cook will demand to keep a full complement of players on the park, especially as the Eagles showed their ability to take advantage of an extra man in their game against Featherstone, scoring 18 points after Rovers centre Gavin Swinson was red-carded ten minutes into the second half.

"Fev lost somebody just after half-time and it's always difficult if you're a man down," said Cook. "You're always looking for the extra man in attack or are covering for someone in defence."

One man who shone for Sheffield last week, even when Featherstone were at full strength, was new full-back Jonny Woodcock.

He might not have crossed the whitewash as he did regularly during his time at York in 2003 but he did trouble the Rovers defence.

Cook added: "I watched the video of their win at Featherstone last week and they played with lots of enthusiasm and they've got a lot of good players."

Updated: 10:26 Friday, February 17, 2006