The Knights head to Doncaster knowing that a win could finalise a top spot finish, should second-placed Toulouse Olympique lose to Batley Bulldogs on Saturday.
It would also be an incredible 18th straight win in all competitions for York, who have not suffered defeat since mid-April, against Featherstone Rovers.
Therefore it is difficult for Applegarth to name changes to his side, but the Head Coach is considering adding players back into the squad that have been absent of late – including a potential debut.
Harry Fraser may be involved with the Knights for the first time, whilst Sam Cook is available after recovering from a lateral collateral ligament injury [LCL].
Ukuma Ta’ai is also in contention for Applegarth, having missed the Knights’ previous 16-8 win at Toulouse Olympique as his partner recently gave birth.
“Ukuma has just been blessed with a baby girl, so I didn’t want to bring him over to Toulouse,” Applegarth confirmed.
“I wanted him to have a bit of downtime with his family and enjoy that time.
“He’s been great for us this year and he’ll be in contention, I just didn’t think it was right to bring him over on the travel with all that.
“Especially with him getting older, I didn’t want to risk any injury, but most importantly I wanted him to get a bit of time with his own young family.
“He has been training and has been absolutely fantastic, not only for what he delivers in terms of who he is as a player and a person, but our young lads have really benefited from the experience that he’s been passing on.”
Fraser is also in contention for the first time since signing from Australian outfit Northern Hawks, who are a feeder club to Newcastle Knights.
The 22-year-old arrived with a small injury, but has now recovered and could make his debut at Doncaster.
Applegarth confirmed to the Press: “Harry is in contention. He trained really well on Tuesday, so he’ll be in the mix.
“It’s a case now where unless there’s injuries, lads need to show why they need to be in that team and above the people that are already in it.”
Cook is the final returning player to be in contention, having not featured for the Knights since their 19-12 win at Halifax Panthers.
Applegarth also provided an update on Hull KR loanee Danny Richardson, who was initially pencilled in to be available for the match with Doncaster.
However, Applegarth confirmed that Richardson will not be involved for the Knights in their regular season, but could be used as back-up in the upcoming play-offs.
“Sam Cook is back fully fit and is training. He’ll be in contention.
“Danny still hasn’t joined us, we’ve left him with Hull KR to focus on his recovery.
“I think he’s just started running on the gravity treadmills this week, so Danny will be probably joining us after the Batley game for the play-offs.
“He’ll be a great body to have around with his experience, but at the same time, unless we have any injuries, I’d like to back what’s been with us all season.
“Danny understands that, it’ll be good to see him back fully fit and ready for if he is needed for the play-offs.”
York’s recent win at Toulouse took a monumental effort from Applegarth’s players, who weren’t without casualty from the heated battle.
Brenden Santi was one player who was forced off with a head injury, having taken a knock to the head for his troubles.
A free week for the Knights has seen the prop make a full recovery, with Santi in contention for Sunday.
“He’s [Santi] alright, the bi-week probably came at a great time.
“It let everyone refresh physically and mentally, and Sants is a tough cookie.
“He puts his head where it hurts most weeks, so he’ll be fine and is fully in contention for Sunday.
“Touch wood [there are no fresh injuries], not unless we get any in training.
“Everyone got through it okay, Kieran Hudson isn’t far off getting back into training.
“He obviously failed that head assessment against Oldham, he’s getting back into the group now so he should only be a week or two away.
“Everyone else should be as it were.”