NEIL Law enjoyed a debut to remember for York City Knights and then declared: "I'm glad to be back".

The powerful centre, who scored 11 tries in 12 games in his first spell at Huntington Stadium in 2003, crossed the whitewash twice yesterday as the Knights beat Hunslet 34-6 to get off the mark in the Northern Rail Cup group section.

It was the dual code star's first 13-a-side game for 18 months, following his return from Otley RUFC, and while he rates both codes equally he told the Evening Press: "I'm happy to be back in rugby league and happy to be back with York.

"I maybe could have come back last year but due to my contract with Otley that was not the case. I loved it here last time and I'm glad to be back.

"I was a bit tired at the end yesterday, but two tries to start with was nice."

As for his aims, he said: "I just want to play the best I can if I'm picked, and getting over the whitewash is a bonus. It's a team game and I just want to do my best for the team.

"The league starts in March and that's probably the priority, to get to the Grand Final or win the league to get into the First Division."

Law also suggested a liking for the summer season, adding: "The weather didn't help yesterday, the conditions were atrocious, but that's the way it is when you play winter rugby - roll on summer rugby."

Head coach Mick Cook was delighted with his new signing. "He's a bit rusty from playing union but he had a good start to his career back in rugby league," he said.

"He will improve again next week and will be a great asset for the side."

Cook admitted yesterday's match "died a bit of a death" but was delighted with victory on his home debut, especially the defensive effort following last week's heavy loss at Castleford.

He said: "The game deteriorated in the second half. There were a lot of errors but it was very cold and very greasy, with wind and snow - it's not a recipe for great football.

"Hunslet are very dogged and they have plenty of enthusiasm.

"We struggled to pull away from them... but we kept them to six points which is something to build on.

"We were more controlled this week, hanging back and waiting for opportunities. There were a few errors in us but with those conditions you're going to get that.

"We wanted to get our game back on line and I thought we showed some good signs."

Updated: 10:30 Monday, February 21, 2005