York City Knights new captain Alex Benson said he believes the team could surprise a few clubs in the Championship this season.

The Knights were promoted after beating Oldham in the Championship 1 play-off Grand Final last year.

Benson told BBC Radio York: "We're quietly confident and people are talking about shocking a few teams.

"It will come as a shock to them but it won't be a massive shock to us because we believe in what we can do."

He admitted staying in the higher division will be the biggest challenge.

"Everything is going to be a lot quicker. It's high intensity week in week out.

The guys that are going up, ourselves and Hunslet, it is going to be a big step Alex Benson

"For me I think the difference between the two is a lot of the guys in this division have been there and been around it quite a bit.

"For the guys that are going up, ourselves and Hunslet, it is going to be a big step.

Benson said he is looking forward to leading the team as captain.

"I always try and lead from the front anyway and playing in the front row that's quite a good position to do that.

"I think that's one of the reasons why (coach) Dave Woods picked me. I feel I'm a decent talker.

"I'm not a shouter and screamer. I don't think that's strictly necessary to be honest but I will try to lead from the front and hopefully the guys will respond to it."

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