BOSS James Ford will go without three of his more experienced stars for Sunday's 1895 Cup clash with Newcastle Thunder at Bootham Crescent, making five changes in all to the team that won wonderfully at Widnes last week.

Former Hull KR duo Liam Salter and Graeme Horne, along with second-row enforcer Sam Scott, all rest niggles in preparation for next week's big Championship clash with fellow high-fliers Toulouse Olympique.

Perry Whiteley is dropped after a few uncharacteristic errors last week, and, as reported, on-loan Newcastle prop Harry Aldous is not allowed to play against his parent club.

Jason Bass, as expected, and Kevin Brown are brought into the back line again, while into the pack come Mike Kelly, Jack Blagbrough and Leeds loanee Tyler Dupree.

High-profile on-loan Hull KR duo Junior Vaivai and Will Oakes, who both scored on debut last week, continue in the back line, with the former in particular likely to excite the York faithful.

Discussing Whiteley's omission, Ford said: "I just think Kevin (Brown) has been training really well and has done everything we've asked. He was unlucky to miss out last week and deserves an opportunity.

"We've all had games where we've been a little bit off. What's important is that Perry continues to work hard at his game and when he gets an opportunity he takes a big step forward."

Scott, who returned to the side last week after his knee injury, is rotated back out, and Horne likewise is rested again in a bid to manage recent knocks.

Scott, meanwhile, faces no further charge for the foul on Widnes' Danny Craven last week which was put on report.

Ford said: "Sam pulled up a bit sore and we've just rotated him out to let some inflammation in the knee come down.

"We're giving Graeme a rest as well. Widnes was a massive game for us and we needed a response (after the defeat to Featherstone). We feel having Graeme in the side makes us a better attacking outfit. We discussed him playing last week and probably resting him this week."

Kelly, a bit-part player so far this term, has waited patiently for his chance. Ford said: "He's had a couple of minor knocks and minor setbacks. He got a bit of game-time at Rochdale (league win on May 12) and hopefully he can build on that and put in a positive display."

Blagbrough has also recently been in and out of the side, while teenager Dupree made his debut against Featherstone but was left out at Widnes.

Ford said: "Jack's got plenty of strengths. It (not being selected each week) just highlights the belief I have in other players too. It's not a slight on Jack - he's a very good player and I expect a strong performance.

"Tyler is a strong ball carrier and promotes the ball well. I'm sure he will complement our other middles.

"He didn't get much chance against Featherstone and this is a big step up from under-19s rugby, but I'm looking forward to seeing how he travels against a very good Newcastle side."

Newcastle recently signed teenage half-back Mikey Lewis on loan from Hull KR, with veteran schemer Jy-Mel Coleman, once of York, returning to London Skolars. Coleman had joined Tynesiders ahead of this season.

Lewis comes in for injured Frenchman Remy Marginet.

Also in their ranks are former Knights and Heworth ARLC product Tyler Craig, fit-again packman Rhys Clarke, also once of York, and ex-NRL Aussie prop Joel Edwards, who enjoyed a stellar few months at Bootham Crescent last season to help Ford's team to promotion. He signed for Thunder earlier this month.

Ex-Knights captain Jack Aldous is, however, out.

Ford warned of the visitors' threat.

He said: "Lewis Young (full-back) is very dangerous in broken play, Misi Taulapapa (veteran back) is still a very strong player, and they've signed a confident young half-back from Hull KR who will want to enhance his reputation.

"York fans know all about the likes of Joel Edwards, who's a top, top player.

"They're a well-coached team with good individuals in there. It will be a really good game."

Knights (probable): Marsh, Oakes, Vaivai, Bass, Brown, Harris, Robinson, Teanby, Jubb, Stock, Jordan-Roberts, Kelly, Spears. Subs: Brining, Blagbrough, Porter, Dupree. Stand-by: Hey, Mazive.

Newcastle (probable): Young, Taulapapa, Brown, Craig, Clegg, Coates, Lewis, Edwards, Carlile, Doyle-Manga, Fitzsimmons, Clarke, Simons. Subs: McAvoy, Blanke, Ollett, Agoro. Stand-by: Charlton.