YORK Knights head coach Andrew Henderson concedes that fans are likely to see little, if any, of influential pair Bailey Antrobus and Liam Harris this month.

In a blow to Henderson's already depleted squad, both Antrobus and Harris picked up injuries over the international break that are set to keep them sidelined for at least "a few weeks".

Fans were left surprised at a failure to include their names on the teamsheet last week, with Henderson choosing to remain tight-lipped in order to create an element of surprise to visitors London Broncos, a tactic that paid dividends.

While Antrobus, one of York's standouts thus far, suffered a groin strain in their pulsating 22-18 triumph over Newcastle Thunder in the Betfred Challenge Cup on April 21, Henderson has kept his cards close to his chest on the injury to Harris, other than to say that it is under investigation and is likely to keep him out for a while.

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"Bailey Antrobus, he picked up a knock against Newcastle, which we kept pretty hush, hush," Henderson revealed.

"I didn't want to give too much away to London, so that's part of the reason why you don't want to announce everything all the time.

"It's funny because when I spoke to their coach Mike Eccles after the game, he said 'I didn't realise those guys were missing - we prepared our preview around that!'

"That's just the nature of the beast and sometimes you've just got to play those cards.

"Bailey picked up a groin strain during that Newcastle game. He reported that in after the game and we obviously sent it for further investigation and he had a scan, which came back that he's got that groin strain.

"Liam Harris, he's had some investigation.

"He's going to be out probably for a few weeks now by the looks of things."

York Press: Liam Harris scored in the sides' last meeting on April 21.Liam Harris scored in the sides' last meeting on April 21. (Image: Craig Hawkhead)

However, Henderson is confident that the Knights will be able to welcome more faces back into the fray this week, with James Cunningham and Danny Kirmond both expected to be named in tomorrow's preliminary squad.

"James Cunningham, unfortunately, during that week off that we had, he got a hit to the head," Henderson added.

"So unfortunately, under the current laws and guidelines you have to have 12 days out, so that's why he missed London.

"He's got to get a final sign off today, he's got to go see a specialist.

"All being well, he'll be available for selection this Sunday, but if something is determined that he's not, then he won't be. We'll get more clarity on that today.

"Danny Kirmond obviously returns off his ban. He's back to fitness so he'll be available for selection as well."

York Press: Olly Butterworth could make his competitive debut on Sunday after recovering from a shoulder dislocation injury.Olly Butterworth could make his competitive debut on Sunday after recovering from a shoulder dislocation injury.

York fans could also catch a long-awaited first glimpse of winger Olly Butterworth, who could make his competitive debut for the club against Newcastle.

The former paratrooper, who joined the Knights from Betfred Championship rivals Sheffield Eagles in 2021, has spent the last 14 months on the treatment table following a reoccurance of a shoulder dislocation injury, but Henderson is pleased with his rehabilitation.

"Olly Butterworth, he's available for selection too," he confirmed. "He's had now a good full week of training.

"We've got a couple more bodies now coming back into the fold which is good."