FIRST-TEAM props Joe Helme and Toby Williams have been named in the provisional squad for the York City Knights Academy match against Halifax tonight.

The Press understands that two places for Sunday's first-team National League Two game at home to Hunslet are still up for grabs, and performances tonight will play a big part in deciding who should get the available shirts.

Helme and Williams are among four regular first-teamers in the 19-man squad for the Academy game, which will be whittled down to 17 nearer kick-off.

The others are second-row John Smith and scrum-half Andy Gargan, along with fringe players Mark Spurr, Steve Grundy, Kyle Palmer, Adam Endersby and Tom Dunmore.

Helme and Spurr need to develop their match fitness after injuries, while Smith is also returning from injury.

It is the Academy's second game of the season and promises to be another tough one against last season's champions, the Knights having kicked off with a battling 38-18 defeat to title favourites Castleford.

Kick off at Huntington Stadium is 8pm, switched from 7.30pm. Admission is £3 adults, £1 children.

Knights Academy (v Halifax): Dunmore, Garahan, Palmer, O Wilcox-Harrison, Joe Stearman, Rientoul, Gargan, Helme, Giles, Williams, Endersby, M Spurr, Smith, Grundy, Jack Stearman, Hunter, Watling, Corr, T Wilcox-Harrison.