Liam Harris: "We've got to earn the right to be up there again"

17 hours ago

It’s not been the best of starts for York Knights so far in the Betfred Championship, but captain, Liam Harris believes he and the rest of the squad are up for whatever challenges this season throws at them.

Although they’re still to pick up their first league points of the league season, there were narrow defeats to early front runners Toulouse Olympique and Halifax Panthers, and they’re in to the quarter-finals of the AB Sundecks 1895 Cup, where they’ll welcome Widnes Vikings to the LNER Community Stadium.

While coach, Mark Applegarth said pre-season had gone well, for Harris personally, it was a different experience!

“It was terrible!” he said. “I was ill for the majority of the pre-season! But the intensity and application overall was really good from the whole team. We got through a lot of work.

“We’ve kept the core of the group and we’ve brought in a couple of new faces which have added to the team really well. Most importantly, they’re good people as well as good players. It’s been really easy to fit in and they’ve adapted really well.”

One of the highlights of last season was the combination between Harris and Ata Hingano in the halves. After a year where injuries and suspensions made it hard to get any continuity, 2024 brought the best out of the partnership.

“I love playing with Ata,” says Harris. “We’ve got a really good connection.

“It came to fruition a bit last year didn’t it, when we got a bit of consistency together probably for the first time in our time here. Hopefully, touch wood, we can stay fit and healthy and really progress that combination together this season.”

That partnership last season was one of the keys to the Knights finishing third in the league table. However, he says the form of last year means nothing now in the new campaign.

“I think it’s a clean slate for every team and we’ve got to earn the right to be up there again.

“I don’t think there’s any pressure, I don’t think there’s any expectation. I think it’s about what we do as a group together. We don’t get any points for making the semis from last season, do we? We all start on zero and have to fight for every point.”

“It’s very strong competition. For the last couple of years we’ve had like a Leigh in there and a Wakefield. A team that are frontrunners and favourites for that.

“But I think this year, the playing field is pretty even. There are some big spenders still, don’t get me wrong. Bradford, Fev, you look at their squads and it’s pretty exciting isn’t it?

“It’s a great challenge for us and it’s going to be a strong competition.”

As ever, Harris says the fans can play their part again in backing the team on the pitch, and praised the atmosphere they create.

“I’ve been telling the new boys how much they back us whether things are going right or wrong they’re always there for us.

“I love playing in front of them and I’m sure they will too. Hopefully we can put in a few good performances and give them something to shout about.”

York Knights face Widnes Vikings in the AB Sundecks 1895 Cup quarter finals at the LNER Community Stadium on Sunday 6th April (3pm)!

Tickets for the fixture are on sale NOW!

Tickets are priced at £15 for Adults, £10 for Concessions (16 to 21-year-olds and over 65s) and FREE for Under 16s!

To purchase your tickets online please click HERE!

Please note season tickets are not valid for this game. However, season ticket holders will be able to purchase tickets for their regular seats by clicking HERE!

You can also buy tickets from the LNER Community Stadium Ticket Office in person, or over the phone on 01904 950950.

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