IT'S going to be a massive game. That was the verdict of York City Knights ace Scott Rhodes ahead of Sunday's Powergen Challenge Cup tie at team of the week Swinton Lions.

The speedy half-back is one of only three survivors from York's memorable run to the 2004 quarter-finals who are likely to play tomorrow, the others being Jim Elston and John Smith.

And he was eager for the Knights to enjoy another money-spinning crusade in this "extra special" cup tournament.

"The Challenge Cup is a massive competition for smaller teams to have the chance to be drawn against a Super League side," said Rhodes.

"You all want to test yourself against those teams, and it would also be beneficial for the club money-wise for us to go through.

"We also want to get things right for the National League One season (which starts next week). As a team we take every game as it comes. We want to do as well as possible in every game whether it's the Challenge Cup, Northern Rail Cup or the league, and get our performances right on the pitch.

"But the fact it's the Challenge Cup makes it that bit extra special."

York went out to Huddersfield Giants in 2004 and also enjoyed a trip to Super League giants St Helens in the fifth round last year.

To reach that stage again, Rhodes is aware the Knights will have to put on a show tomorrow to beat a team who last week shocked one of the favourites for the NL1 crown.

"It will be a very tough game over there," he said. "Swinton beat Leigh in Leigh last week and that's a great result. They're obviously going to have a bit of a buzz about them and they've got some quality players.

"But if we perform right we will come away with something.

"Our form has been a bit hit and miss, and there have been times when we've shot ourselves in the foot a little bit with silly mistakes when we should be putting teams away. We're letting ourselves down in certain areas but we've got a good enough team to get it right.

"If we play with a bit more confidence and tighten up in areas I think we will do well."

The Press understands that Rhodes is set to start tomorrow, even though boss Mick Cook has added to the squad Phil Hasty, who will vie with Paul Thorman for the other half-back role.

Fit-again winger Lee Lingard and forward James Ward are also in contention again after injury, with Cook having named a provisional 20-man squad to travel to Sedgley Park.

Matt Blaymire is fit to play after his elbow injury last week, but loanee Peter Fox is effectively cup-tied under the terms of his switch from Leeds.

Swinton, one of the favourites for the NL2 title, were hoping key winger Marlon Billy would shake off the hamstring strain that kept him out of last week's win at Leigh, but Craig Farrimond is out for three months after undergoing shoulder surgery this week.

POWERGEN CHALLENGE CUP

Fourth round

Swinton v York City Knights

(at Sedgley Park)

Swinton: from English, Saywell, Alstead, Llewellyn, Stout, Coates, Watson, Newton, Crabtree, Rogers, Morley, K Smith, Moana, Patel, Marshall, James, Hersnip, Billy.

Knights: from Blaymire, Lingard, Farrell, Clarke, Spicer, Law, Rhodes, Hasty, Thorman, Sullivan, Liddell, Bovill, J Smith, Golden, Paterson, Ward, Elston, Buckley, Blanchard, O'Loughlin.

Referee: Ian Smith (Oldham).

Kick-off: 3pm.

BUS TIMES

THE Knights' Supporters' Club will run two buses to Sunday's game.

The first, which goes direct from Huntington Stadium at 12.30pm, is full.

The second leaves the stadium at 12.10pm and picks up at New Lane 12.15, Dodsworth Avenue 12.20, Clarence Street 12.25, Blossom Street 12.35 and Tadcaster Road 12.40.

The return coaches leave straight after the game and will make the usual stop-off at the White Bear at Tingley, just off the M62.

Prices, to be confirmed, will be no more than £9 adults, £7 over-60s and students, £5 U16s, £1 U12s. For late bookings, call 07958 569266.

Heworth ARLC 'A'-team's match against Upton 'A' today has been postponed.

Updated: 09:31 Saturday, April 01, 2006