YORK City Knights have gone “back to basics” in a bid to rediscover winning form quickly – which means they will have to do without talismanic duo Chris Thorman and big Brett Waller.

The Knights lost at Doncaster on Sunday in what head coach James Ratcliffe described as an “inept” performance, not helped by the early exit of stand-off Thorman and the second-half departure of prop Waller.

And player/assistant-coach Thorman reckons the side need to show the same levels of enthusiasm as the Dons did that day if they are to push back up the Championship One table – starting with the first of the Easter double-headers, at home to Gateshead tomorrow.

He said: “We trained really, really well on Tuesday – but I would expect that because we did not play well on Sunday.

“Defensively we weren’t at the races and we lacked structure after the injuries. I thought that game was there for the taking but Doncaster totally out-enthused us. We did not show those qualities.

“We got back to basics this week. We (the players) are the only ones who are going to fix it.

“We have to get that togetherness back and that will to win for each other.”

Neither Thorman, who suffered a minor quad tear, nor Waller, who damaged an ankle, will be fit tomorrow, meaning Ratcliffe will have to make at least two alterations to the line-up.

Steve Lewis, Joe McLocklan and Rchard Blakeway are expected to overcome their knocks, but more changes are still likely, due to certain players being rotated given there are two games in four days, and due to others being dropped after the Keepmoat shocker.

The Press understands that back-rowers Luke Hardbottle and Kris Peacock and centre Matty Duckworth are likely incomers, while Jonathan Schofield could return at half-back. Jermaine Coleman could also be called up for his competitive debut.

Thorman is hopeful of being fit for Monday’s tougher assignment, away to Blackpool, though Waller will need further physio assessment at training tonight, when the players are likely to be told tomorrow’s line-up.

The Knights triumphed 44-12 at Gateshead in the Northern Rail Cup four weeks ago, and Thunder have won only once this year.

Thorman, who was man of the match in that tie against his home-town club, was unmoved when asked if they were a good team to rediscover form against.

“I’m not fussed who we play,” he said. It’s just important to get back to winning ways and to give a good performance.”

Supporters are reminded the Super League derby between Hull KR and Hull FC tomorrow (12.30pm) will be shown on the big screen in Bar 13 prior to the Knights’ match.

Ticket holders can gain access to the bar via the stairs in Courtney’s reception. There is a happy hour until 1.30pm.

Meanwhile, the Knights’ reserves game at Dewsbury tonight has been postponed. The match, the first of the reserve season, has been rearranged for Wednesday, April 14, kick off 8pm, at the Tetley’s Stadium.

As reported on our website, www. thepress.co.uk yesterday, it was called off due to potential problems with Dewsbury’s pitch given recent rainfall, and because of the Knights’ issues with player availability, with potential call-ups to the first team for their Easter double-header. The reserves also normally bring in players from the local amateur game but those clubs have several matches outstanding.

The reserves’ following match is scheduled for April 22.

The Knights’ Player of the Month for March, as voted for by Press readers, will be presented before tomorrow’s match.

The deadline for votes has been extended to noon tomorrow. To vote, email peter.martini@thepress.co.uk.

Everyone who votes will be in with a chance of presenting the award pitch-side.