YORK Knights head coach Andrew Henderson has welcomed back Ata Hingano to his preliminary squad in the only change ahead of Friday night's Betfred Championship clash with Sheffield Eagles (7:30pm).

His inclusion comes at the expense of Danny Kirmond, whom Henderson admits is furthering his transition into coaching whilst he recovers from a foot injury that is expected to keep him sidelined for a number of weeks.

The influential Tongan half-back has seen his 2023 season blighted by injuries thus far, his most recent spell on the sidelines the result of a big hit that saw him limp from the field at half-time in their 26-22 victory over Newcastle Thunder on May 14.

However, whether he is ready to return to the field remains to be seen, with the Knights seeming likely to continue with Sunday's makeshift pairing of Jesse Dee and Josh Daley in the position.

Five York-born youngsters - Harry Price, Ben Barnard, Myles Harrison, AJ Towse and Brad Ward - are again included in Henderson's squad, with the head coach vocal in his wishes to continue the development of the club's young players.

The Knights will be seeking to earn their second victory of 2023 over Sheffield, having defied the odds to triumph in the sides' meeting in the Betfred Challenge Cup Fourth Round in April.

Veteran Kirmond rolled back the years with a brace of first half tries to fire York into a surprise lead, before controversially being dismissed by referee James Vella 30 minutes into the match, and subsequently receiving a three-match ban.

However, despite their man disadvantage, the Knights rallied, weathering a second-half storm to clinch a 24-22 victory.

York Knights' preliminary squad to face Sheffield Eagles: Olly Butterworth, Ben Barnard, Joe Brown, Chris Clarkson, James Cunningham, Josh Daley, Jesse Dee, Oli Field, Conor Fitzsimmons, James Glover, Myles Harrison, Ata Hingano, Will Jubb, Jon Luke Kirby, Ronan Michael, Oli Pratt, Harry Price, Ukuma Ta'ai, Jack Teanby, AJ Towse, Brad Ward.