MICK Cook declared himself content despite seeing his York City Knights side lose to Leeds for the first time in three years yesterday.

A young Rhinos side won 25-18 at Huntington Stadium in the Knights' first pre-season encounter of 2006 but Cook took plenty of positives from the game.

York had won both previous friendlies between the sides, in 2004 and 2005, but this Leeds side - captained by England full-back Richie Mathers and with four likely first-teamers and several fringe players in the ranks - were a more capable outfit.

"In the first half we were a bit rusty and conceded a few tries," said former Leeds Academy chief Cook, who took the Knights up to National League One in his first season in charge.

"In the second half we tightened up and looked more cohesive. The game served it's purpose. Players got good 40, 60 or 80 minutes under their belts and we can pick out where we need to improve."

Cook began the game with ten of the players who won NL2 last term, with ten of the new signings also on show at some stage.

"There were a lot of positive performances," he added. "They all had a bit of influence. You can see there's a bit of quality there.

"Rob Spicer showed a lot of good quality when he came on and (Aussie) Dave Buckley got his cobwebs blown off. It's his first taste of the English game and he will learn from it. He put a couple of great shots in and he's obviously not frightened of getting into contact.

"Scott Rhodes was a bit more direct and looked more dangerous with it as well, while Jonny Liddell went pretty well in his stint (at hooker). We've got players looking to improve on last year and new players looking to slot in. They've all done the job."

The Knights now entertain Wakefield on Friday - the Wildcats are expected to bring a Super League side to York - and Challenge Cup-winners Hull on February 5 before kicking off their campaign at home to Hull KR in the Northern Rail Cup on February 12.

"We've had a first hit-out and we will have to keep moving on," said Cook. "We'll need to improve and be as cohesive in the first half against Wakefield as we were in the second half yesterday.

"We will have a look at some different combinations. We're okay at the moment. We're pretty happy. We've lost a game but it was a good afternoon for us."

Leeds have allowed the Knights to keep all the gate receipts from the 2,630 crowd. Those fans had the chance to use the new mobile bar inside the ground. A bigger 'portable pub' is likely to take its place in the near future.

"It was a good turn-out," said Cook. "We're a small club and need the revenue and it's great we're allowed to take the receipts."

Updated: 11:19 Monday, January 16, 2006