'We can beat Hull KR': York Knights ready to send shockwaves through Super League
Liam Harris has backed York Knights to make the ultimate statement by toppling defending champions Hull KR on their Super League debut.
The Knights, who were in the third tier as recently as 2018, joined the elite at the end of last year after proving they were ready to make the step up.
York's promotion – via a panel recommendation following the move to 14 clubs – brings top-level sport to the region and takes Super League into new territory.
The Knights kick off the new era in front of a packed crowd at the LNER Community Stadium – and their captain is targeting the perfect start against his former club.
"I do believe we can beat them," said Harris.
"We've got a group that is excited and unknown. We're a totally different team from the last time we played them (a 44-2 defeat in the Challenge Cup last February).
"It means everything to be the first captain to lead York out in Super League. They took a chance on me when I was 18 years old at Hull KR, which is pretty ironic.
"There are so many stories around this game but it's important we focus on what we can deliver. The outside world would see it as a shock but we go in confident."
York take on Rovers seven days before the treble winners face Brisbane Broncos in the World Club Challenge.
KR's request for a promoted team in round one only adds fuel to the fire.
"For some boys it will," said Harris when asked if that formed part of York's motivation.
"Some will see it as a little bit disrespectful – but we don't need any more motivation as a group. We've been building for this game for years. That's all the motivation we need.
"The city has been buzzing. We are where we feel we deserve to be and now it's for us to show that."
Harris has been an influential figure in York's rise after finding a home in his third spell with the club.
Having made the last of his 11 top-level appearances in 2018, the ex-Hull FC half-back is ready to show how far he has come.
"I've been waiting for this for a long time," said the 28-year-old.
"There were a few opportunities in the past that just didn't feel right. I stuck by York and can look back now and say that was the right decision.
"Now it's up to me to prove I belong at the top of the game."
Mark Applegarth's York boast decorated campaigners such as Paul McShane, Paul Vaughan and Ben Jones-Bishop.
The availability of McShane, who avoided a ban despite his red card for fighting in the Challenge Cup, adds to the sense of excitement ahead of Thursday's opener.
"It's a huge boost, although he didn't do anything anyway," said Harris with a smile. "We were always confident he was going to play.
"We'll be leaning on Macca, Vaughany, Bish and the others who have had a lot of experience and they can take enthusiasm from those who are playing Super League for the first time.
"We're going in with no expectations and will see what we can do."