FIJIAN flier Rob Kama has underlined his commitment to York City Knights by saying he'd back the team whether selected or not - but he wants to be in from the start.

The winger, named in the squad of 18 for tonight's trip to Featherstone (ko 7.30pm), was hoping to be given the chance to stake his claim as competition for places hots up ahead of the National League Two campaign, which starts on Monday.

But whether he gets the nod or not, he says he will fight all the way to make his mark.

"I'm in it for the team, I want the team to win and I will back the team all the way," he told the Evening Press. "But I want to be in the side.

"Richard Agar (coach) will play his best team in the league and if I'm not in it I will accept his decision and put right where I'm going wrong, but I will do my best to get in it.

"I want to be the best player out there and I would always try to get my position back."

Tonight sees the Knights complete their Arriva Trains Cup group fixtures knowing their progress to the knockout stages is guaranteed. But Agar says there is plenty to play for - including shirts - and Kama has outlined his desire to get on and shine.

"I've no doubt the team we've got will score but I want to play my part and play it well," he said.

"One or two tries would be good, but as long as I play well I'd be happy. I'm still learning the game but I hope to show some sort of skill that will give me a foot in the door."

With Alex Godfrey scoring for fun on one wing, the fight seems to be on for the other, with Kama, Mark Stewart and Scott Walker all in with a shout, while Wales international Chris Smith also hopes to return from injury soon.

"Alex is a dead cert, he's playing very well, but the other wing is more up for grabs," said Kama.

"If I get in tonight I will hopefully do the small things, the basics, right. If I do, it will be a confidence boost and everything else will fall into place. I just want to get back into things and stake a claim."

Kama, who notched six tries in 12 games after joining midway through last season, was in the team at the start of this campaign but broke two ribs in the second game against Villeneuve and was out for two months. He returned for the win over Gateshead last Wednesday but missed out again against Dewsbury on Sunday as Walker took over.

"I have not featured a lot after my injury and the major setback for me was not being in the picture for the coach to see me play regularly," he said.

"I've been doing a lot of fitness work and I was quite happy with my endurance over the 80 minutes (versus Gateshead), but it's a case of gaining confidence.

"My ribs are fine but I have to have padding because they now protrude a bit. It was on my mind a bit against Gateshead but now I know it's fine I don't think there will be anything that will hold me back."

Updated: 10:49 Friday, April 09, 2004