YORK Knights' opening pre-season friendly at Hunslet has been called off.

Mark Applegarth's charges had been due to kick off 2025 against the newly promoted side at South Leeds Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

But both clubs have tonight confirmed that after a pitch inspection, and with freezing temperatures forecast, the match will no longer go ahead.

Hunslet posted on X (formerly Twitter): "Following a pitch inspection with Leeds City Council ground staff today and with the freezing temperatures forecast through to Sunday, our friendly against @YorkRLFC will unfortunately not go ahead."

The inaugural Amsterdam Challenge against Hull KR on January 25 will now be York's sole hit-out before they begin their Challenge Cup campaign at Keighley Cougars on February 2.

It is the latest in a string of rugby league friendlies called off this weekend, with Widnes Vikings' clash with North Wales Crusaders no longer going ahead and Halifax Panthers' match against Warrington Wolves to be rearranged for a later date.

Quentin Laulu-Togaga'e's testimonial match against Castleford Tigers has also fallen foul to the weather after a pitch inspection at the Millennium Stadium.