York City Knights coach James Ford is sweating on the fitness of star full-back Liam Harris ahead of Sunday’s trip to Whitehaven.

Harris was caught late by a challenge from Newcastle’s Dan Parker during Sunday’s 26-24 home defeat for the Knights.

Harris needed lengthy treatment midway through the second half and had to be helped off the field.

Now coach Ford has called on Rugby Football League chiefs to come down hard on Parker for the foul, after the Thunder winger was only shown a yellow card by referee Jon McMullen.

Ford said: “Liam has not got the concussion protocol to follow but we will do what we can to get him available.

“I don’t think he’s concussed, which is a miracle because it’s one of the worst things I’ve seen for a long time.

“Liam’s passed the ball, he’s relaxed, he’s not looking and he [Parker] has hit him high and late. It’s really disappointing.

“There was definite maliciousness in it, against one of the most promising young players outside Super League.

“The game has got a responsibility to protect these players. People like Liam Harris and Lewis Young for Newcastle are players the supporters pay to come and watch. They excite people.

“When something like that occurs, the game needs to stamp down on it. “

Both Harris and team-mate Ash Robson were on the shortlist for League One’s young player of the Year but both missed out to Newcastle’s Young.

Sunday’s clash also ended in despair for promising young centre Adam Swift who was stretchered off after the final hooter.

Whitehaven’s main concern ahead of the semi-final surrounds Sunday’s hat-trick hero Dion Aiye who was reporting a tight groin in the dressing room after the game.