TWO York City Knights youngsters have been picked for the Yorkshire Colleges representative team – bringing more kudos to the rugby league development centre at York College.
Fringe first-teamer Ed Smith, who showed up well as a substitute in the Challenge Cup defeat to Hull KR on Sunday, and reserve-grade prop Josh Mortimer – both of whom were set to play for the Knights reserves at home to Keighley tonight (8pm) – have come through trials to earn country stripes.
They will now train and play matches for the White Rose student team as they seek selection to the England Colleges squad.
Both play for the York College team that is coached by Knights star Chris Thorman as part of the link-up between the education establishment and the Huntington Stadium club.
Knights general manager Ian Wilson said: “It’s good for the lads and good for the club and, most importantly, it’s good for the college.
“The development centre has been going for four years now and it’s nice for them to get recognition.
“I know Gordon Staniforth, who heads up sport at the college, is really pleased about it. It’s another success story for the development centre and hopefully Ed and Josh will go on to play for England Colleges.”
Knights head coach Dave Woods was particularly impressed with Smith for his performance against the Super League giants on Sunday, although he intimated that, while the 18-year-old has already played four times for the first team this year to follow his two appearances last term, the bulk of his season would be spent learning his trade in the reserves.
He said: “He was really good. He did a good job – his defence was good and he carried the ball strongly. We’ve got to protect him a bit. He’s still only young. He’s got a lot of talent, but we’ve just got to look after him.”
The Knights reserves came back from 28-4 to draw 28-28 at Reserve Championship leaders Widnes at the weekend and boss Mick Ramsden will be looking for his young-guns to continue that form against the Cougars.
Added to his squad is first-team winger Dan Wilson, who is set to start at full-back, and Paul Stamp, who missed the Widnes game due to a pulled hamstring.
Knights season ticket holders and vice-presidents can get into the game free, otherwise entry is £4 for adults and £1 for under-16s. The ground can be accessed via main reception to Bar 13.
Knights reserves (probable): Wilson, Tuffour, Dent, Hyde, Lineham, Stamp, Woods, Howard, Brining, Mitchell, Rice, Smith, Hemmings. Subs: from Mortimer, Burns, Gray, Mole, Carmody, Winstanley, AN Other.
• York University RUFC hold their annual Roses clash against Lancaster University at Huntington Stadium on Friday night (8pm). The Main Stand is sold out but tickets are available on the door for the Popular Stand priced at £4.50. Bar 13 will be open from 6pm.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here