HUDDERSFIELD Underbank Rangers head coach Richard Knight is confident his club can continue to make positive Co-operative Rugby League Conference progress.

The Holmfirth-based club open their 2009 campaign with a home game against Hemel Stags at The Cross on Sunday (2.30).

Rangers have finished fifth in the past two seasons, and having lost the competition’s 2008 Young Player of the Year Matt Garside to the Giants, Ross White to Sheffield Eagles and Pete Williams back to Australia, Knight’s side could have their work cut out to do even better this time around.

But as well as recruiting Australian trio, back-rower James O’Brien, half-back Robbie Sydenham and centre/back-rower Chris Thorley, Knight has been joined on the Underbank coaching staff by former Giants and Sheffield Eagles Challenge Cup winner Darren Turner.

And with last season’s head coach Ritchie Hawkyard also remaining on board – he is unable to devote as much time this season because of his commitments as a player with Swinton and heading the coaching duties at Slaithwaite Saracens – Knight believes the club has the personnel to mount a serious challenge.

“I’m here as the head coach to win this competition, and I want everyone else to have exactly the same attitude,” said Knight, who will take charge of Underbank the day after playing for York City Knights at Super League club Warrington Wolves in the Carnegie Challenge Cup.

“Everyone has trained really well over the past few months and can’t wait to play.

“Because we haven’t had any pre-season trial games and we don’t know much about the quality of the opposition, Sunday will be a bit like taking a step into the unknown.

“But with this season’s squad being fairly similar to that from last year we’re confident we can give it a good go and have a good season.

“I definitely feel there’s enough quality here, and with Darren Turner on board I’m sure we can continue to make good progress.

“There’s a good feel about the place, and we’re sure we can win an opening fixture in the competition for the first time!”