YORK Knights expect to face a difficult challenge when travelling to Halifax Panthers on this afternoon (3pm).
Mark Applegarth is anticipating a tough test when taking on Halifax, who have just one win in their previous four matches, with both sides eyeing a potential push further up the table.
The Knights Head Coach is keen to avoid any complacency when heading to the Shay Stadium, and believes that both teams will be desperate for victory.
Applegarth explained: “Halifax is a real pivotal game for both teams, so we will be doing all that we can to get that performance, just as Halifax are desperate for it as well.
“They will be doing everything they can to be in the mix for the play-offs, they’ll be aiming to get in as well.
“They’re a very dangerous team with some good players in their ranks, I’ve coached a few of them and have seen a lot of them play in different environments.
“They’ve got some quality there, it didn’t click for them at the start of the year but it is starting to click for them now in certain areas.
“It will be a chance for them to get themselves straight back into the mix, so we have to be aware of the threats that they are going to bring, whilst making sure that we can focus on ourselves and what we bring to the table.”
Applegarth will also have the opportunity to reacquaint with Halifax Head Coach Liam Finn, after the pair worked alongside one another at Wakefield Trinity.
The Knights Head Coach discussed the strength of the Panthers squad, believing that York will have to be at their best to claim anything from the contest.
“I know Finny well too, I’ve coached for many years with Finny in our time at Wakefield together,” Applegarth reminisced.
“We used to coach in the academy and I know exactly how smart he is, or was, as a player and is now as a coach.
“On paper, they’ve got an excellent squad. If you were reading the squad on paper then you would definitely think that they would be in the mix.
“They’re starting to show that now, they got a very good win against Batley and we’re expecting a very tough game, they have some quality players in there and are led on the field by [Joe] Keyes, the half-back.
“We’re expecting a very dangerous Halifax team, and we’re going to have to be at our best to get something out of the game as well.”
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