JAMES RATCLIFFE reckons the Crusaders’ decision to rest several stars will not make tomorrow’s Challenge Cup task any less demanding for his York City Knights troops.

The Knights take on a Super League side for the first time ever in competitive game at home, and go into the fourth round tie (3pm) as massive underdogs.

The assignment might look easier on paper than it might have done, as Crusaders boss Brian Noble has given overseas stars Vince Mellars, Weller Hauraki and Tony Martin the weekend off, while England winger Gareth Raynor is still recovering from a whiplash injury.

But Ratcliffe says the ex-Great Britain coach’s selection has not provided any extra fillip for his Championship One outfit as he looks to conjure up one of the biggest shocks in the 113-year history of the competition.

The bookies still have Crusaders at 1-150 to win, and still make them odds-on favourites (at 4-5) even when giving York a 34-point start.

Ratcliffe said: “I don’t think we need a lift anyway. We’re playing Super League opposition, it’s the pinnacle of our sport. Everyone will be more than up for it, to challenge themselves against internationals and State of Origin players.”

Asked if it boosted hope of a huge upset, he added: “We’ll stick to what we want to do. For us, it’s more about our performance rather than a result. But we always go into a game wanting to win. We’re not just turning up so there’s a game on.”

The Knights, too, will not be at full strength as Brett Waller has not overcome his ankle injury despite optimism he would be fit by now, while fellow prop Jon Fallon starts his two-match ban.

Key playmaker Chris Thorman should be back from injury but Ratcliffe admits the lack of size up front makes it tougher for his side, especially when front-row force has been a feature of their game-plan this season.

Second-rows Jordan Ross, Danny Hill, Chris Clough or Kris Peacock might be asked to take turns down the middle.

Ratcliffe said: “We’re a bit light but everybody is up for the challenge. Our game-plan will be simple – we want to compete and keep going for the full 80 minutes, and try to put them under pressure.”

The Knights received a boost in the back line as Hull have allowed dual-registered winger Dennis Tuffour to play, even though it means he will be cup-tied. Tuffour has bagged three tries and a man-of-the-match accolade in his two games.

Ratcliffe said: “It’s an opportunity for him to show what he can do against another Super League club. He’s certainly looked exciting for us. He always looks like he’s capable of doing something.”

Elsewhere, academy loose-forward Ed Smith has been named in the provisional 19-man squad and Ratcliffe has not ruled out a shock debut for the 17-year-old after his excellent display in the reserves’ win at Dewsbury. Winger Dan Wilson and pivot Luke Helliwell have also been added to the 17 that lost at Blackpool last time out.

Crusaders have included Wales internationals Elliot Kear, Gil Dudson, Lloyd White and Ben Flower, as Noble alters the team that beat Wakefield 20-10 last week.

Dual-registered pair Dudson and White will be no strangers to York having bean in the South Wales Scorpions side that lost to a late Thorman drop-goal in Championship One last month.

Luke Dyer returns to the squad having missing last week after his wife went into labour. Rhys Hanbury is also included after an impressive debut against Wakefield.

As revealed by The Press, Welsh rugby union legend Gareth Thomas, who scored his first try since switching codes against the Wildcats, will feature, as will former York target Jamie Thackray.

Knights: from Ratcliffe, Lineham, Waterman, Mitchell, Tuffour, Wilson, Thorman, Schofield, Helliwell, Freer, Benson, Stamp, Applegarth, Blakeway, Hill, Ross, McLocklan, Clough, Peacock, Smith.

Crusaders: from Thomas, Youngquest, Witt, O’Hara, Withers, Bryant, Chan, Trimarchi, Dyer, Winterstien, Peek, Thackray, Flower, White, Kear, Lupton, Schifcofske, Hanbury, Dudson.

Referee: Robert Hicks (Oldham).