MARK APPLEGARTH is relishing the opportunity to name an unchanged team when York Knights close out their debut Super League season against Bradford Bulls this evening.
York, who, alongside Toulouse, have operated with reduced central distribution, have defied expectations following their promotion, registering eight wins and ensuring they will not finish bottom of the table.
The latest of those came against Catalans Dragons on Saturday, with an inspired second-half performance steering them to a first-ever win at the Perpignan club, despite Jesse Dee finishing the match in the sin bin following a professional foul.
As such, the head coach will name the same team against Bradford, who will end up with the wooden spoon should they fail to beat the Knights.
“It’s always nice to try and keep a settled team,” admitted Applegarth, who twice led York to victory over the Bulls at the LNER Community Stadium last year.
“We’ll be exactly the same as we were against Catalans.
“I don’t think there’s any secrets there; that’s what we’ll be rolling with.
“It’s a massive, massive game for both teams, and both teams will want to finish on a high.
“It was a tough game for us against Catalans, but we’re relishing another tough game against Bradford, so we’re all in for that one.
“I’m really looking forward to locking horns with Bradford again. They’re getting a few bodies back, so it should be a good game.”
Whilst the match brings the curtain down on a historic season for the Knights, and with it the career of veteran prop Paul Vaughan, it will also be a memorable night for Ben Jones-Bishop, who will make his 400th career appearance.
Despite having turned 38 last month, he shows no signs of slowing down, even through a freak fractured foot that has forced him to sit out large parts of the season.
“It’s been massive to have him back,” Applegarth said of the former Leeds Rhinos, Sheffield Eagles, Salford and Wakefield Trinity winger.
“I’m running out of words to speak about him. He holds such a high standard for himself and his teammates, and he never wants to let his teammates down.
“He’s pure quality. It’s not just the obvious that you see, the finishes and things, it’s the little things that he does that enables others to get on the front foot.
“I’m delighted for Bish, really happy that he’s back and he’s playing for York, and delighted that he gets to celebrate a milestone such as making 400 career appearances.
“He’s an unbelievable guy and an unbelievable player.
“He’s had some big moments in his career, and I’m hoping that Thursday will be another big moment for him.”