Trio in line for York Knights return in trip to Toulouse

The popular returning centre made his long-awaited York return to action in Sunday’s impressive 54-12 victory over rock bottom Dewsbury Rams, after a year on the sidelines through a long-term Anterior Crucial Ligament (ACL) injury.

Antrobus’ inclusion helped the Knights to a comfortable win over their West Yorkshire counterparts, as Jimmy Keinhorst pulled the curtain down on his career in spectacular fashion.

Mark Applegarth has now turned his attention to the threat of Toulouse this weekend, for York’s annual visit to France as part of their Betfred Championship schedule, with the Knights Head Coach believing that the test of the French outfit could come too soon for a returning Antrobus.

“He’s chomping at the bit to carry on,” Applegarth told BBC Radio York.

“As I say, he’s such a good professional and an absolute champion lad.

“He’s a well-liked member of the squad and he’s well-liked in the greater public of York.

RECOMMENDED READING:

• 'Really proud' - Jimmy Keinhorst's departing message after retiring from Knights

• 'Job done' for Knights as Keinhorst brings curtain down on career against Rams

• Australian prop forward Jack Martin unveiled by the Knights

“I think he’s had 12 months out of the game so it will take him a good four or five more games before he starts to feel like he’s got his sharpness back about him.

“It’s down to me as a coach to pick the right games for that, I don’t think throwing him into Toulouse away when we need fit and able bodies that can do bigger minutes, is the right game for him.

“He understands that, so we’ll carry on working with him back in York, getting his fitness up and looking at what games we can play him in.

“Realistically, at the moment he’s got 15 minute stints in him so it’s about picking those games where we think he can carry that.”

Applegarth also provided an update on the trio of Josh Daley, Conor Fitzsimmons and Oli Field, who were all absent in last Sunday’s victory over Dewsbury.

The Knights Head Coach confirmed that the latter two players had been tactical decisions, whilst Daley has been struggling with illness.

However, Applegarth expects the trio to all be available for the trip to Toulouse.

Applegarth confirmed: “Josh will be back in the squad, he had a case, I think there’s a lot of covid and flu going around so he’s just felt bunged up all week.

“He took a bit of a bang on his knee against Halifax, so we just want to be wise to give him a rest and to look at some different combos.

“Conor, it was a tough call on him. Ultimately we had 38 points leaked on us at Halifax, and there needed to be some changes.

“Connor and Fieldy were more tactical changes, but they’ll both get a chance to rectify that this week.”

Applegarth also commented on the recent retirement of rugby league icon Jimmy Keinhorst, who called time on his career after his victory over Dewsbury.

Mark Applegarth will welcome back a trio for the Knights' trip to Toulouse. (Image: Craig Hawkhead)

The York Head Coach addressed the void that Keinhorst’s absence will leave in the centre position, with Applegarth planning to uncover new combinations in the middle of the pitch.

“Since I’ve been here it’s been a position that we’ve struggled with all year anyhow, it’s a case of the next man up.

“Joe Law slotted in great, so obviously he’ll be in one of them.

“We’re having a look at a few other combos to go into that other slot, it’s a case of whoever gets those shirts, we will have full faith in them.

“If they can take their opportunities when they come, especially if you get a shirt, then it’s yours to keep.

“Whoever does end up in that centre slot, I’m quite confident that they will do well.”