Paul March will now be forced to make changes after losing Esders

York City Knights will be without goal- kicking centre Ryan Esders for three months after he badly cut his hand.

The 21-year-old has severed a tendon and coach Paul March admits the loss of the in-form Esders it is blow.

He told BBC Radio York: "He's had an operation on it and he's going to be a massive loss to us.

"He's going to be out for at least nine to 10 weeks but the players who are coming in are going to have to stand up and be counted."

However there is good news about loose forward David March who has recovered from a calf strain.

"David will be in. He's trained all week and he's going to come in and add that bit of experience to the team and a bit of go forward," March revealed.

Trialist Danny Grice will also start at stand-off after impressing for the Academy.

With Danny (Grice) coming in to the side, Danny Ratcliffe is going to move to full back and Lee Mapals will start on the wing. Paul March

"Danny Grice will come in to the starting line up and start at 6 alongside myself.

"He's got a good kicking game and he's got a footballing brain on him as well so he's got an opportunity now to come in to the side and earn himself a contract."

Grice will be one of a few changes to the team which lost at Rochdale last week and March is also looking at some positional alterations.

"With Danny (Grice) coming in to the side, Danny Ratcliffe is going to move to full back and Lee Mapals will start on the wing.

"We've got strength in depth now so hopefully if Danny (Grice) can do the stuff on the field we can keep it that way."