ADAM Sullivan could have been heading into the new season with Super League in his sights - but he instead stayed at Huntington Stadium and today declared it was "definitely the right decision".

The 22-year-old prop, who played in York City Knights' final ten games of last season after joining from Hull KR, received off-season overtures from the Robins as well as fellow National League One big-guns Featherstone and Doncaster, the Knights' friendly opponents a week tomorrow.

But he turned them down to re-sign for the NL2 promotion-seekers and, following their morale-boosting friendly victory over Leeds, he couldn't be happier.

He explained: "I found last year when I came to the club that they treat you ever so well. I felt comfortable with the club, they do everything they can for you and I'm definitely happy I stayed."

Pre-season training has reinforced that belief and the former Great Britain Under-16s junior, who was picked for the National League U21 representative side in 2003, is hoping for a big year.

"I felt when I came here last year I played the best rugby of my senior career," said the ex-Bradford Academy starlet.

"We then started pre-season back in November but it's gone really quickly and I've enjoyed it.

"Mick Cook (head coach) is quite big on fitness and improving techniques and my game is improving. With Daryl Powell (on the coaching staff) as well, you get more chance to work on the little things in your game. They all pick up little things to improve you and it helps.

"I've had a good off-season and I thought I went all right against Leeds and hopefully we will all keep getting better."

The Knights, with only four props in the squad, are looking to boost their options in the front row and, although that might mean one of the current quartet missing out, Sullivan reckoned: "It's all competition for places and that's a good thing."

As for the quality already there, he added: "David Bates has got Super League experience, Craig Forsyth has been around for years and Yusuf Sozi is just awesome sometimes. It's all good and it's bringing me on as a player.

"You usually play with four props in the 17 so if one of us gets injured there might be a problem but if not we should do okay. John Smith can always come into the front row too."

Sullivan reckoned the squad as a whole was good enough to take the club up to Division One, something they cruelly missed out on in last season's play-off final. But he was keeping any expectancy in check.

"After last season's disappointment the number one aim has to be promotion but it's going to be really tough," he said. "We've had a talk in the dressing-room and we're going to take each game as it comes and not make any wild statements.

"I know Dewsbury are making quite big noises but it might be a good thing that we're not favourites as it takes a bit of pressure off us."

The Knights kick off their season on Sunday, February 13 with a massive Northern Rail Cup fixture away to favourites Castleford Tigers, who were relegated from Super League last season.

Updated: 10:53 Saturday, January 08, 2005