STIFF competition for places might put some players off moving to a new club - but not brothers in arms Paul and Neil Thorman.

York City Knights' new recruits from Gateshead have a starting place far from guaranteed but, according to elder brother Paul, that merely provides incentives.

Half-back Paul, 22, will come up against Scott Rhodes, Chris Levy, Chris Ross and Jon Liddell in his department, while 20-year-old Neil will have to oust skipper Lee Jackson and Jim Elston from the hooker's role.

But Paul said: "Some people could see it as a deterrent but both Neil and myself see it as a challenge to get our foot in the door, impress during pre-season and hopefully be in the 17 for the first games of the season.

"Steve Ferres (chief executive) and Mick Cook (head coach) said game-time was not guaranteed but I see that as a challenge and an incentive to do well."

The highly-rated Tynesiders turned down overtures from York's National League Two rivals Workington to sign at Huntington Stadium.

Explained Paul: "The success York had last season and the recruitment they've made would suggest they'll have a successful season next year.

"They've got the partnership with Leeds Rhinos which is a massive opportunity for everyone at the club to take their game forward with the coaching they've got with Mick Cook and Daryl Powell.

"It's also a good shop window - if you are deemed good enough who knows what opportunities might arise."

He added: "We don't mind the travelling. York is probably the closest professional club (barring Gateshead) anyway - though that was not the reason we came here."

There has been speculation their departure from Gateshead had been signalled by the mid-season ousting as Thunder chairman of their mother, Phyllis.

But Paul - Gateshead's record appearance holder (105) and points-scorer (365) - said they were set to move on anyway after having now gained sports science degrees from Northumbria University.

"We've both just finished at university and that was the only thing tying us down to the region," he said.

"Our hearts were set on a move at the end of last season and it's fortunate York came about at the right time."

As for their aims, he said: "The club lost out on promotion in spectacular fashion last season in the play-off final and probably the aim of the whole club is to go one step further.

"There are several teams in the running. It's going to be a pretty tight league but promotion is definitely the objective."

He added: "Training has gone really well. All the lads have made it easy to get stuck into it.

"It's been pretty tough but that's how pre-season is - we didn't think it would be anything less. Mick Cook and (conditioner) Colin Sanctuary have been really good with us and things are going well."

* Next season's League fixtures for Knights will be in Monday's Evening Press.

Updated: 11:29 Saturday, December 04, 2004