York Knights v St Helens: We need to get rid of soft underbelly to make real progress, admits Mark Applegarth
Mark Applegarth admits York Knights must firm up their “soft underbelly” if they are to climb the Super League table.
The Knights sit above established top-flight clubs Hull FC and Huddersfield Giants with seven rounds remaining, representing an achievement in itself for a promoted side operating on half the central funding.
While he has loftier ambitions, Applegarth has no complaints about York's current position.
"We all want to win, be challenging at the right end of the table and competing for trophies," he said. "But the table doesn't lie over the course of a year.
"Currently, for where we're at as a group, we're in an accurate position based on our performances.
"There are areas of our game we need to get better at consistently. We look really good when we're on point but there's still that soft underbelly that we need to get rid of.
"That's part of the process of becoming a champion team. You've got to highlight these areas of weakness while not getting too obsessed with it all. You've also got to highlight your areas of strength and make sure you keep championing them."
York's maiden Super League adventure continues on Saturday with a first-ever home game against St Helens.
Saints have the look of a club in disarray following Paul Rowley's sudden exit but Applegarth is refusing to read into their turmoil.
"Eamon (O'Carroll, interim boss) is a great coach," he said.
"I obviously came up against him at Bradford. He had a very well-drilled team there and will definitely tap into that identity and connection.
"They've got a few bodies out at the moment but let's not beat around the bush, they've still got Jack Welsby who is one of the best, if not the best, English player, (Tristan) Sailor is one of the in-form players in the league and Jackson Hastings is an ex-Man of Steel. You've got (Harry) Robertson who was one of the best young full-backs coming through the ranks.
"There's still some talent in there. They're obviously going through a bit of change but St Helens are St Helens.
"They'll have earmarked this as a must-win with them pushing for the play-offs. We're looking forward to that challenge. It's a great game to get back on the horse."