Knights new boys Chris Ross and Jonny Liddell will be doing their best to earn a win for York against former club Hunslet on Sunday after switching teams.

Hunslet carry the proud tag of being the only team to do the double over the Knights last season, a 19-8 home win following a 21-8 success in York's Huntington Stadium stronghold.

But the boot will most definitely be on the other foot this time round for Ross and Liddell.

York-based Liddell kicked two conversions in the 21-8 win at Huntington, while utility back Ross kicked ten points in an eventful clash at South Leeds Stadium.

Hunslet have been earmarked to struggle in the coming season but head coach Mick Cook admits he is wary.

He said: "They are a very enthusiastic side, very gritty - and they never give in.

"They took Featherstone all the way last week so we know it's going to be a tough game.

"Admittedly, all the games are going to be very tough but we just need to turn things around after last week's result."

Mark Cain is the latest injury worry for Knights boss Cook, with the 28-year-old utility player suffering from a back problem.

Mick Ramsden is still out, Craig Forsyth has added a calf strain to his bruised sternum, and Austin Buchanan has been knocked off the squad roster for at least six weeks after having a plate put in his broken wrist.

Scott Rhodes is due to resume full contact training this week but Hunslet has come a week too soon.

But on the upside, Neil Thorman is fit and will be in contention for a place in the 17 alongside new signing Neil Law.

Hunslet have also had their share of early-season injury struggles with the squad reduced by 12 after last Sunday's defeat at Featherstone.

George Rayner had 16 stitches in his mouth, while Andy Barstow joined him in Accident and Emergency, although his arm turned out to be badly bruised rather than broken.

Prop Andy Brent is out after having emergency surgery on a suspected blood clot in a leg, and Guy Adams is another on the injury list after dislocating his shoulder in training.

Hawks boss Roy Sampson is hopeful that Dave Gibbons (hamstring), Mick Gibbons (ankle) and Neil Mears (flu) will all come through late fitness tests.

Outgoing chief executive Steve Ferres has called on the dedicated Knights fans to get behind the team.

Ferres stepped down from his role last Sunday and this week thanked the Knights' faithful for their support throughout his tenure and especially at Castleford where fans chanted his name to express their appreciation.

Ferres, who was head coach at Hunslet for a spell, said: "I want to thank all those people that came up to me and chanted my name.

"Apparently some were wearing 'T'-shirts with my name on.

"But more importantly, now they need to get behind the boys tomorrow and cheer them on."

Updated: 10:34 Saturday, February 19, 2005