THE boom in rugby league in the region has continued with the reforming of the North Yorkshire Police RL team.

The side folded in the 1990s but has been resurrected by British Police RL team tourist Nick Smart following his transfer to York from West Yorkshire.

They have entered the National Police League in which an opening loss to the MET was followed by a win in Manchester. The league season, played midweek evenings, comprises six games per side followed by top-four play-offs.

There are 18 to 20 players in the squad, including former professionals Karl Simpson, the ex-Batley player who also plays for Selby Warriors, and Ian Hughes, once with Wakefield.

North Yorkshire Police's next game is against West Yorkshire Police at New Earswick All Blacks' White Rose Avenue ground on Thursday, April 22.

Updated: 10:26 Thursday, April 15, 2004