THERE are no second chances from here on in.

That was the message from York City Knights boss Paul Broadbent as his team geared up for tomorrow's National League Two elimination play-off against Barrow Raiders at Huntington Stadium (3pm).

The Knights, who finished fourth in the table, face fifth-placed Barrow in the first game of the straight knockout series which culminates in the promotion-deciding Grand Final at Halton Stadium, Widnes, on October 5.

Broadbent told the Evening Press: "Every game from now on is the biggest of the season - if you don't do the job it's the end of the road.

"We've had two pretty tough games against Barrow and I don't expect this will be any different, probably more so as everybody realises what's at stake. It's cup rugby, there are no second chances."

Broadbent was likely to have play-maker Scott Rhodes back after a seven-week injury lay-off - he will fight with in-form Carl Hughes for the stand-off berth - and in a shock development Mark Cain might also be available after he followed up his run-out at training this week with a full session last night. He had been expected to be out for two weeks after having clean-up surgery on his knee but, depending on any reaction, could return to the 17.

However, Broadbent has a dilemma in the backs following winger Leigh Deakin's rib injury last week. His absence means Alex Godfrey could revert to the flank from full-back, with Stuart Godfrey, who made a try-scoring debut as a wing substitute last week, starting in the number one shirt. Gavin Molloy is another option for both positions, while Cain and James Brown have also played at full-back before and could come into the equation.

"We've just about finalised what will happen but there are one or two things to sort out," added Broadbent.

The Knights go into the game on a roll after successive wins over Workington, high-flying Chorley and play-off rivals Hunslet, and they also have a psychological edge over Barrow having done the double over the Raiders in the league.

But Broadbent warned those games would have no bearing on tomorrow's clash. "Every game is on its own merits," he said.

"We know Barrow have got the potential to beat any team in the competition. We've got to make sure we show them respect but not too much and get in there and do the job like in recent weeks."

Barrow's only remaining major doubt is 24-try winger Jamie Marshall, with a groin strain. Highly-rated stand-off Tane Manihera is fit again and likely to join captain Andy Henderson in the half-backs, with Hender-son's fellow Aussie, Dave Clark, continuing at hooker. Injury doubts over prop Steve Jackson, centre Paul Jones and forward Geoff Luxon have abated.

Knights: from S Godfrey, A Godfrey, Cain, Brown, Molloy, Kama, Hallas, Stewart, Hughes, Rhodes, Brough, Hayes, Helme, Forsyth, Briggs, Mears, Jackson, Callag-han, Ramsden, Krause, D Smith, Riddell.

Barrow: from Bower, Irabor, P Jones, McClure, Pate, Manihera, Henderson, Liku, Clark, Jackson, King, Lupton, Atkinson, Smith, Luxon, Archer, Dancer, Pugh, Stainton, Wilcock, W Jones, Marshall.

Updated: 10:26 Saturday, September 13, 2003