HEAD coach Mick Cook reckons the promotion-relegation rumpus in rugby league will not affect York City Knights' glory crusade.

The Rugby Football League's decision to scrap automatic promotion and relegation to and from Super League, to take effect by 2009, has complicated the Knights' long-term aims of getting into the elite tier.

But, says Cook, it can have no effect on his side's bid for the LHF National League Two title, which continues with a vital four-pointer at home to Hunslet Hawks tomorrow (3pm ko).

"We need to get out of Division Two and do well in Division One before we start thinking about Super League," he told the Evening Press.

"If you look at the big picture it can't have any effect on us at the moment. We've got a lot of work to do before we can challenge for Super League. It's not an issue for us.

"Our only focus is tomorrow and getting two points."

The Knights are expecting a bumper attendance as part of a school/family fun day at Huntington Stadium, and Cook was keen to "give them something to cheer".

But he was well aware of the challenge his side faced, with Hunslet being something of a bogey team for York, having won three of the last four games between the sides.

"Hunslet are a bogey team for everyone," mused Cook. "They've got a grit and determination about them. They work hard to put you off your game and get stuck in. They've recruited quite a few players with experience and have a few players who are a real handful."

Hunslet have surprised some by lying fourth after five games, but Cook was not one of them. "They're no mugs," said the Knights boss, who reverts to the half-back combination that tore Sheffield apart last month, captain Chris Levy returning to join Paul Thorman.

"On paper they've got a decent team and are capable of beating anybody in this competition.

"But I'm confident in our players. Defensively we're going to have to be very good but we know we've got the strike-power to cause problems."

Cook brings Scott Rhodes and Lee Jackson back into the 17 as substitutes, while Darren Callaghan, a try-scorer in the corresponding fixture last year, which ended in defeat, continues as the only ever-present this term.

A recent recruit for Hunslet is Leeds loanee Calvin Watson, who had a mixed loan spell at York earlier this season but began his time at the Hawks with a debut hat-trick in their defeat of Sheffield last week. Former Knight Neil Mears, however, is ruled out with a long-term knee injury. Marc Shickell was sent off last Sunday but his disciplinary is not until next week so can play.

Knights match points

LHF National League Two

York City Knights v Hunslet Hawks

Knights (probable): Blaymire, Fox, Potter, Law, Lingard, Levy, P Thorman, Sullivan, Elston, Bates, Kirke, Callaghan, Paterson. Subs: Jackson, Rhodes, Ward, Sozi.

Hunslet (possible): Raynor, Watson, A Gibbons, Cummins, North, D Gibbons, Moxon, M Shickell, Wray, Coyle, Freeman, A Shickell, Redfearn. Subs: Cass, Staveley, Cook, Bastow.

Referee: Steve Nicholson (Whitehaven)

Kick off: 3pm

Updated: 09:03 Saturday, May 21, 2005