JOE HEMMINGS could be thrown in at the deep end for his York City Knights debut tonight – if he passes fit in time.

The former New Earswick amateur, a mainstay of the reserves this year, was seeking the all-clear from doctors following an ear problem which has affected his hearing and prevented him from training this week.

He has been added to the Knights’ provisional squad for the match against Championship leaders Featherstone (8pm), along with Scott Woods, Jack Stearman, Adam Howard and Davey Burns.

Duane Straugheir, out for the season, and James Haynes are injured so are omitted from the side that lost to Halifax. Rovers are set to field the same side that saw off Sheffield 34-6 last week.

Knights: from Bush, Sutton, Ford, Esders, Tuffour, Thackeray, Presley, Freer, Lee, Benson, Garside, Clarke, Jones, Waller, Lewis, Stearman, Howard, Burns, Woods, Hemmings.

Featherstone (probable): Hardman, Powell, Smeaton, Cockayne, Saxton, Hepworth, Finn, Tonks, Kaye, Dickens, Grayshon, Spears, Dales. Subs: Gledhill, Netherton, Bostock, Divorty.

Referee: Matthew Thomason (Warrington).