FOUR trialists will feature for the York City Knights in their pre-season opener against Featherstone Rovers tomorrow.

Harry Bardle is set to feature having been released by Super League side Hull Kingston Rovers back in November.

The forward had been in training with Hull KR last season and made two top-flight appearances for the Robins.

York Acorn's Lewis Brown is set for game-time at both half-back and hooker following on from a successful season in the amateur game.

And, teenagers Myles Harrison and AJ Towse, both graduates from the club's EXCEL programme, are also in line for minutes against Featherstone.

Knights head coach James Ford had previously been unsure about whether to the play the latter two, both aged 16, against Rovers, but praised the pair's attitude while on trial.

"I've been really impressed by their attitude and commitment in training," he said.

"I think that if they continue to work hard they'll improve their body and they're game.

"They could, and I'd like to highlight the word could, be good players. But, as a word of warning, there are hundreds of players that could have had futures in the game, but haven't.

"They need to keep working hard at all aspects of their game.

“Lewis has displayed a very positive attitude towards learning and has certainly got stuck into the contact elements of our preparation.

"I’m looking forward to seeing what he can do.”

"All of the trialists have shown promise, otherwise I wouldn't have included them in the squad.

"They're all deserving of their chance and I'm looking forward to seeing them in against a good Featherstone side.

“We’ve had a lot of fun in the first six weeks of our pre-season, improving understanding, skill and physical abilities.

“I’m looking for character, resilience and a positive attitude.”