Smith missing for Knights

York City Knights' Ed Smith (elbow) has been ruled out of the Co-operative Championship clash with Featherstone and will undergo a scan next week to determine the extent of his injury.

And Knights coach Chris Thorman is set to play alongside another half-back partner on Friday, following Ollie Olds' cruciate ligament injury suffered in a Leeds Rhinos Under-20s fixture last week.

Thorman said: "We've just to hope that Featherstone are a bit battered and bruised from last week's Northern Rail Cup final."

Paul King (ear) and James Ford (ankle) are also expected to miss out, but Dave Sutton looks likely to play after recovering from a recent concussion.

Thorman said: "Losing our captain James and our pack leader Paul gives some opportunities to some young lads.

"I've got to consider the development of the club, and look at next year. Our Under-18s have been really impressive this season, and there are a few of them who are not too far off getting an opportunity."

Featherstone Rovers coach Daryl Powell is likely to assess Jon Hepworth and Tangi Ropati before finalising his team.