LEE Jackson will get the chance to stake his claim for York City Knights' prized number nine shirt tonight - and where better to do it than at Hull's KC Stadium.

The former Great Britain international spent nine seasons with the Black and Whites and, though that was at their old Boulevard ground, Hull awarded him a testimonial match at the KC against Leeds last February when 6,000 fans turned out in his benefit.

And, although he now works and plays in York, he still lives in his home city of Hull, just a stone's throw from the KC.

He said: "Anybody would like to go back to their home ground. I'm looking forward to it, especially at the KC. I had my testimonial game there and it's a fantastic ground.

"I spent nine years at Hull so I must have enjoyed it. Both Hull and the Knights are fantastic clubs and to go there will be great."

This is the Knights' last game of pre-season and, while - in a role reversal of last year - Jim Elston has started the previous two friendlies at hooker with Jackson coming off the bench, Jackson is likely to be on from the start tonight as boss Mick Cook gives all his squad a fair crack.

As for whether it's his last chance to grab the spot for the season's start, he said: "You could say that but it's a long season. Even if Jim does start, I'm happy to come off the bench and it's up to me to get that spot back."

Neil Thorman is another eyeing the hooker's role and Jackson added: "I think Mick's got a few options up his sleeve, but competition for places is only good for the club. There are a few places like that, where if you're not playing well you know you're going to be out."

The 35-year-old, who has stressed this will be his last season after deciding against retiring this winter, believes his old club will provide a stern test for his National League Two team.

He said: "We'll look to work on the pressure aspect. Some of our guys are not going to get the chance to play Super League and at a ground like that so it's great to test yourself and work under a different kind of pressure than we're used to. Everything will be faster.

"They're full-time, and we're part-time. It will be good to see how our guys go against them and it will stand us in good stead for the season."

In addition to Jackson meeting old mates, there will be a further reunion as former Knights coach Richard Agar and scrum-half Danny Brough will be pitting their wits against their old team.

Jackson added: "It will be interesting to see what input Richard's had since going there. I've spoken to him a couple of times (since he left York) and I wish him all the best.

"Broughy is there too and it will be good see how he goes after turning full-time. I've heard he's put a bit of weight on in the gym and I reckon he'll do well."

Updated: 10:51 Wednesday, January 26, 2005