MICK RAMSDEN has called for the people of York to turn out in force at Huntington Stadium tomorrow – to witness what he hopes will be a surprise result.

Former York City Knights hero Ramsden is in charge of the York Select representative team who will take on the Knights in their first pre-season friendly, and the second annual Lee McTigue Memorial match.

Money raised from the game will go to the XIII Heroes charity, which aids people in the rugby league fraternity who have been affected by serious injury or untimely death, and the Knights Foundation, which helps pay for rugby league development work in York.

And while Ramsden wants both causes to benefit, he also reckons spectators can expect some excellent entertainment, to follow on from the 22-22 draw between the teams 12 months ago.

He said: “The Knights are hoping to get a bigger attendance than last year (when a crowd of 869 turned out). It’s all for a good cause with the money going to the XIII Heroes and to the development programmes around York.

“I think it will be a good game. The Knights will have a more experienced team this year compared to last year but I think the Select team will give them a good game.”

Ramsden did admit, however, that his plans had been hit by withdrawals from his squad, as well as players being forced to miss their training sessions. York Acorn pair Simon Wadsworth and Ian Brown and Heworth’s Marcus Allan have all now pulled out, along with New Earswick’s Steve Perks and the suspended Mike Embleton, although Ramsden has been able to bring in the latter’s brother, Matt Embleton, the former Acorn centre who now plays for Castleford Panthers.

He said: “We had two training sessions initially but the second one was not really up to standard and the players called a third session on Wednesday.

“We’ve been a little disjointed what with people having to work and others having a couple of injuries, so we’re not as well prepared this year as we were last year. But, saying that, I’m sure they will give it their all.

“As I explained to the lads, there’s no pressure on them – it’s the Knights who will feel that. Those players have got points to prove and they are playing to start the season.

“Our view is to go out there, enjoy it, play freely and not feel pressure. If we can put our game-plan into practice and work as hard as we can as a team, I’m sure we will give them a good run-out.

“We will have to be on the ball to get a result but I’m sure we will give it our best shot.”

York Select: Tom Dunmore (L), Steve Mackley (A), Ben Jones (A), Matty Embleton (Castleford Panthers); Leigh Rientoul (A); Tim Elliott (A); Andy Gargan (A); Martin McTigue (A); Jonny Liddell (A); Nicky Caldwell (A); Luke Judson (H); Carl Barrow (AB): Tom Hill (A). Subs: Danny Caldwell (A); Chris Varley (H); Alan Willitts (A); Rob Kama (York RUFC); Liam Watling (H); Julian McBride (L); Adam Jobling (H).

Key: L – York Lokomotive; A – York Acorn; H – Heworth; AB – New Earswick All Blacks.