MARK APPLEGARTH is determined to finish as high as possible with York Knights.
The Knights have defied expectations to sit eleventh in the Super League table, though a final position as high as eighth – where Catalans Dragons are four points ahead – is still a realistic aim.
However, Applegarth’s side go up against Leeds Rhinos on Sunday afternoon, with the Rhinos aiming for top spot – and the York boss knows how tough that fixture is going to be.
“It’s just one game at a time as we want to finish as high as we can,” Applegarth said.
“We can go into Sunday with no pressure on ourselves and all of the pressure is firmly on Leeds.
“We’re looking forward to playing in front of a packed-out house.
“Leeds have always had the talent. They have had a period of rebuild and (coach) Brad Arthur has come in and done a really good job in getting some discipline in their performances.
“They’ve got fantastic players who can punish you but they have defensive resolve about them.
“Leeds have got finances, they’ve got the academy, they’ve got the resources that go along with being one of Super League’s most commercial teams.
“Traditionally, Leeds and Wigan have been two of the powerhouses in youth development and I think Leeds are getting back to that under Brad.”
This week, York completed the signing of Thomas Doyle from Wakefield Trinity, and Applegarth is looking forward to working with him.
He said: “I signed Tommy when I was still at Wakefield and I never got the chance to work with him because I got released.
“It’s really good that I can work with him here. I know what I’m getting with Tommy.
“He’s got plenty of heart and plenty of grit.”