Mark Applegarth accepts Super League toll but points to misfortune for depleted York Knights
Mark Applegarth believes York Knights' injury problems are a product of both the demands of the top level and a run of ill fortune.
The Knights were without 11 players for Saturday's Challenge Cup quarter-final at Hull KR and it showed in a 48-10 defeat to the holders.
Applegarth acknowledged that the Super League newcomers are still getting to grips with the transition from part-time.
"There's probably one or two that you could argue are down to getting used to full-time training," he said. "But you can't help injuries like the dislocated elbow for Toa (Mata'afa).
"It's mainly the muscular ones you look at to see how long they've trained at this sort of intensity and whether we've got training right in terms of their load.
"Sometimes you can spin a narrative on that given they're training 30 per cent above their normal load – but sometimes you get a bit of bad luck.
"It's a step up for us but we knew what we were signing up for. You won't see us moaning or complaining."
With Sam Wood, David Nofoaluma and Ben Jones-Bishop among the unavailable players, Applegarth was forced to field a makeshift left edge against the Robins.
Myles Harrison, who scored a second-half try, and Joe Law both started after rejoining York on loan from Newcastle Thunder.
"I thought they held their own," said Applegarth.
"It was a great learning opportunity for those two so I'm really pleased for them.
"There's still a lot of quality out there, too. Like most teams, you just want to get a bit of stability and a settled spine. You can start building your game off that.
"At times, that disjointment showed. We need to focus on the basics at the moment. When the chips are down and you don't have the wind in your sails, sometimes you've just got to build your game off the basics.
"There are no excuses from us. There are some great learning opportunities for some. We'll stick together and come through the other end."
The Knights return to Super League action against Leigh Leopards on Friday night in a clash between two depleted teams.
Leigh began the year bidding for a fourth consecutive play-off appearance but are level on points with York at the wrong end of the table after seven rounds.
Applegarth is set to welcome back several players for an intriguing match-up.
"Will Dagger will be available, as long as we get no adverse effects from his return-to-play," said the Knights boss.
"David Nofoaluma was cup-tied so he'll be back in contention. Will Roberts will be back in contention.
"Kieran Hudson should be back training this week. Jonny Bennison is only a week or two off.
"Bish (Jones-Bishop) has just had surgery on his foot so he'll be a good 10 to 12 weeks. Toa and Liam (Harris) are still obviously out but we've got some firepower coming back.
"As I say, there are a lot of young lads learning on the go and they'll be better for it. It's really important we keep providing those opportunities."