YORK City Knights academy prospect Leigh Rientoul is set for his York Acorn ARLC debut on Saturday after making the cross-city switch from arch-rivals Heworth.

Rientoul - the National Conference division two top-try-scorer last season - played for the Blue and Golds' junior set-up from Under-8s to U18s and now returns to Thanet Road in time to join the club on the Challenge Cup's road to Wembley'.

Acorn travel to Hull Wyke for a first round tie, with coach Alfie Hill set to field his strongest team as the club eye progression to the third round and a possible meeting with a professional side - although he hasn't yet decided where to use Rientoul.

Said Hill, who led Acorn to a memorable third-round meeting with Hull Kingston Rovers in 2006: "If you ask the lads how much they enjoyed playing against Hull KR, they will all say it was tremendous and that they'd want to repeat it.

"If we can get over this hurdle and if the draw is kind to us, then you never know.

"Leigh will probably get a run-out on Saturday. He can play anywhere from (number) one to seven and I'll fit him in somewhere."

Hill has played down the importance of the BARLA National Cup, but he says the Challenge Cup is different.

"This is a very prestigious tournament and we will be going all out to win," he said.

"The fact is it's the road to Wembley and, although it's highly unlikely we'll ever get there, that carrot is still there. The Challenge Cup gives you an extra buzz."

He admitted he knew little of Hull and District League outfit Hull Wyke but reckoned his National Conference division one high-fliers should win.

"There are 54 teams in this round and if I had to pick four who I'd prefer to play, they'd have been one of them, "he explained.

"I don't know how strong the Hull League is but Skirlaugh Bulls A' are top and it seems there are a few National Conference A' teams in there. Hull Wyke are second so they are doing well."

Prop Danny Caldwell will have a fitness test on a neck problem, while Gareth Lloyd is a doubt, but otherwise Hill has a strong squad to choose from.

Rientoul has been playing predominantly at full-back for Heworth recently, and the Villagers have a ready-made replacement in the experienced Richard Darling, who will take over the number one shirt for their Challenge Cup trip to Wath Brow Hornets.

Heworth spokesman Ken Sykes is sorry to see Rientoul go but has wished him well.

"Personally I'm disappointed he hasn't seen the season out but if somebody doesn't want to play for you there's no point trying to keep hold of them," said Sykes.

"I like Leigh, I've got a lot of time for him, and we hope the move goes well for him. If he enjoys it and does well, then great, that's what it's about. If not, he can always come back."

Saturday's long trip to Wath Brow, who play a division above Heworth in the National Conference, promises to be a tough ask for the York, who haven't played for a month.

"It's not the draw we would have wanted," said Sykes. "You've got to draw somebody but ideally you'd want a home draw, and not to go to Cumbria. We're not helped by the fact we haven't had a game for a while. But we'll give it our best shot."