One-match ban for Hallas

Former Great Britain tourist Graeme Hallas has been banned for one game following his sending-off at the end of the Knights' defeat to Chorley two weeks ago, and thus misses the Keighley match.

However, ex-Wakefield star Neil Law looks like shaking off a hamstring strain and is optimistic of playing against the Cougars.

Hallas was given the ban by the Rugby Football League disciplinary committee for stamping on Chorley's Jamie Stenhouse.

His absence will mean Law's fitness is even more vital to player-coach Paul Broadbent. The 28-year-old powerhouse is the Knights' top try-scorer in the league, with seven in seven matches since his arrival from rugby union National One club Otley.

"I had all last week off and with us not playing on Sunday it probably helped it," said Law. "I'll see how it goes at training but I expect to be fit this week."

As revealed by the Evening Press when he signed, Law is still contracted to Otley and is due to return to Cross Green for pre-season on August 10.

That means he has only five games left for the Knights, unless they come to an agreement with Otley to keep him at Huntington Stadium longer. As it stands, Law is keen to make his time with York a success.

"I hope York make the play-offs," he said. "I'm enjoying my time there. I've got another year left at Otley and I'm due back there for the start of next season. But they were willing to let me play league in their off-season, which I was grateful for. It's kept me match-fit and I'm enjoying it.

"York have got a really good chance this year. We had a blip the week before last (against Chorley) but these things happen. We did not play that well on the day. We will put that right this weekend against Keighley."

Law scored his first tries for York against the Cougars two months ago and is hoping for more on Sunday. "I got two that day and it's kicked on from there.

"Keep giving me the ball and I will score tries. "

Updated: 11:30 Wednesday, July 09, 2003