York City Knights coach James Ratcliffe say he was satisfied with two pre-season friendly wins over the weekend.

Hull KR reserves were beaten 28-6 on Friday and on Sunday the Knights came back from 30-10 down to beat Castleford Academy 36-30.

Ratcliffe singled out new prop forward Brett Waller. The 22-year-old was man-of-the-match in both games.

"He's worked really hard in the off season to trim down and get his fitness levels up," he told BBC Radio York.

"I was also really pleased with the two young lads who came in yesterday (Sunday) and played their first games of professional rugby league, Joe Dey and Eddie Smith. They've come through the scholarship system.

We've just got to work really hard coming into the Northern Rail Cup. York City Knights coach James Ratcliffe

"We knew what the (new) players were made of, but they've got to fit into our system. So far it looks like everything's good in that department."

The Knights managed to play a friendly against a York Select side on the Christmas Sunday, but since then, like everyone, they have been affected by the Big Freeze.

"It's put us back probably by about six or seven sessions as regards the work we do, the small things that make up the big picture," Ratcliffe added.

"We can't worry about it now, we've just got to work really hard coming into the Northern Rail Cup."

Ratcliffe will attend the Northern Rail Cup press day at Bramall Lane, Sheffield on Wednesday, 20 January, and the Knights have another pre-season friendly the day after against Hunslet.

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