YORK City Knights’ Championship One match at Doncaster on Sunday will be labelled the St John Ellis Memorial game.

York-born Ellis, a former Great Britain winger, died suddenly, aged 41, on New Year’s Eve in 2005 after leading a pre-season training session with Doncaster, where he had been head coach since 1999.

More than 1,000 mourners, including famous rugby league faces, attended his funeral service at York Minster.

“Normally we stage this game every time we play York but we haven’t been in the same division for a few years,” said Dons chairman Carl Hall, a former York Wasps player.

“It’s very important we continue to remember Singe for the contributions he made to our clubs.”

Ellis, who grew up in Fulford and played amateur rugby league for the old Southlands club, began his professional career with York before moving to Castleford, with whom he spent the bulk of his playing days, featuring in the 1992 Challenge Cup final at Wembley and winning three GB caps. He ended his career with Doncaster before turning to coaching.

The Dons have invited all Castleford season ticket holders to the match at discount rates, £2 less than normal admission prices.

Meanwhile, a depleted Knights reserves side were beaten 74-16 at Featherstone.

The York try scorers were Danny Wilson, Luke Hardbottle and Luke Helliwell, while Jon Schofield kicked two conversions.