MARK APPLEGARTH believes Liam Harris will be better for having faced adversity after making the bold call to drop him to 18th man for York Knights’ win at Castleford on Friday night.

Paul McShane instead started alongside emerging talent Cody Hunter in the halves, the former Man of Steel returning from injury in a standout performance as the Knights bounced back from their 72-20 drubbing by Wigan six days prior.

It was a move that paid dividends for York as they claimed their first win since April, and first at Castleford in over 50 years, with the head coach feeling as though McShane’s presence helped to steady the ship for his inconsistent side.

“Paul McShane was a Man of Steel, and he’s still sharp as ever in that brain,” Applegarth explained of his team selection.

“I just thought that we needed that guidance in that position for where we’re currently at.

“I don’t think it’s any secret that we’ve been very inconsistent in certain aspects of our game, and if there’s one thing that I get from Macca, it’s consistency.

“It was nothing personal on Liam, I love him to bits and think he’s an absolute champion player and person, but at the end of the day, we had 72 points put on us and I was chasing a response.

“You look great if it comes off, as it did on Friday night, but each week is different, isn’t it?

“I’m really happy with how Macca performed for us there, but also really happy with how Liam responded. I’m sure a bit of adversity won’t do him any harm in the long run.”