York Knights will not use Odsal pitch as excuse for poor Bulls display

The Knights will be hoping to secure a second win of the season against the Betfred Championship play-off hopefuls, having finally got off the mark against the Bulls back in April.

They have lost just one of their five matches under Applegarth - an 18-10 defeat to Sheffield Eagles - propelling them to the fringes of the play-offs, whilst Bradford are five points better off in fourth.

Odsal, with its small pitch, is a notoriously difficult place to travel to, but the head coach was quick to dismiss the idea that the Bulls would provide the toughest test the Knights have faced under his stewardship.

“People go on about Bradford’s field, but it’s the same for both teams,” he insisted. “It’s whoever plays the conditions on the day and manages that the best.

“We just want to focus on ourselves and making sure we nail how we want to play.

“Obviously we’re aware of the threats that they pose, and they’ll be doing exactly the same for us.

“But it’ s a game we’re looking forward to, and one we’re excited about. It’s two good teams going at each other, which is what rugby’s all about, isn’t it.”

The Knights edged a thrilling Championship encounter 20-10 at Odsal last September. (Image: Craig Hawkhead Photography)

The Knights edged their last league outing at Odsal 20-10 last September, but victory there in the Play-off Eliminator proved to be a step too far.

Applegarth believes that to secure another two points this weekend, his team must focus on themselves.

“You’ve got to be smart, with it being a little bit of a narrower field, it’s going to change the defensive spaces and such on there,” he explained.

“You’ve just got to be aware of it more than anything. But I’d hate to use that as an excuse either way.

“It’s the same for both teams, the weather and things, we can’t control that.

“We’ll focus on what we can, and just crack on.” 

Recommended reading:

• Ukuma Ta'ai back in Knights ranks for visit to Bradford Bulls

• Knights dealt blow as pair sidelined with 'long-term' hamstring injuries

• Cook loving life with Knights after mid-season Albi switch

The Bulls have made some shrewd signings since April’s shock defeat at the LNER Community Stadium, not least former Hull FC forward Fraklin Pele, who spent two games on loan with the Knights in June.

Though without Ebon Scurr due to suspension, their pack still boasts former Manly back-rower Zac Fulton, Logan Bayliss-Brow and the returning Sam Hallas.

And they show no signs of slowing down in their recruitment, with Harvey Makin and Dan Okoro the latest through the doors at Odsal this morning.

“I think they’ve signed really well, especially mid-season,” admitted Applegarth. “They’ve obviously bolstered their ranks.

“They’re a very well-coached team, they’ve got threats throughout the field so we’re expecting a very difficult game. If we’re not on the button, we’ll get punished for it.

“It’s the sort of games that you want to be involved in, if we want to get to the play-offs and be competing in the play-offs, these are the games you want to be involved in.

“We’re looking forward to it.”

Powerhouse forward Franklin Pele, who spent two matches with the Knights, has signed with the Bulls for the remainder of the season. (Image: Alan Milner/Milner Creative/York RLFC)

Applegarth, who made over 100 appearances across two spells as a player with the Knights, admits that he has fond memories of playing at Odsal, but that he is well aware of how tough it is to come away from there with the points.

“When I was playing, Bradford were one of the top teams,” he told The Press.

“I remember Odsal being packed, they’ve got a very passionate supporter base.

“I think Bradford are a big team in terms of that in the Super League, they’re one of only four clubs that have had a bit of a dynasty.

“I’ve fond memories of Bradford, and they were a very difficult team to play against. They’re still that now.

“I know that they’ve had a bit of a blip, shall we say, in terms of what went on off the field, but now they’re getting some good financial backing and are getting some infrastructure put in place - they’re doing everything right.

“They’ve a good coaching team and a good playing squad, so we’re expecting a tough game.

“From my own memories, I’ve never known a trip to Odsal not be tough.”