Caribbean call

Knights favourite Alex Godfrey and his brother Matt, who plays for New Earswick All Blacks ARLC, have been approached by former York Wasps star Dean Thomas to represent the newcomers to international rugby league.

As anyone who read last week's match programme at Sheffield will know, Thomas - who is now conditioning coach at the Eagles but still lives in York - has been appointed high performance co-ordinator and head trainer for the West Indies RL.

He explained to the Evening Press that a long-term plan had been set up to develop rugby league in the Caribbean, as well as in Afro-Caribbean communities in the UK, and part of that plan was to put together a representative side.

Although that side would be made up of British-based players at the outset - which is where the Godfreys come in - they were hopeful the development work getting underway on the islands would see local products make the national team within five years.

Alex, who has never been to the Caribbean but is eligible for the team as his dad is Jamaican, told the Press he was considering the offer, and would probably take it up if it could be shown that the set-up was worthwhile. Thomas was confident it would be.

"It's a long-term plan," said Thomas, who is also of Jamaican heritage. "While rugby league is new over there (much of the rugby played there is union), there is enthusiasm for the game and we're starting at the grass-roots, working with the kids through to adults. Within five years we plan to have 25 per cent of the team coming from the Caribbean.

"The short-term plan is to develop enough over eight months to field a team. It's a big challenge and I'm really up for it."

Other players lined up include Sonny Nickle, Anthony Farrell and Hunslet assistant coach Steve Pryce, who has also been appointed to the Windies coaching staff alongside Huddersfield Academy coach Lee St Hilaire.

Apparently, Knights winger Rob Kama was also set for a call-up - until Thomas learned he was Fijian, not West Indian!

The West Indies' first action later this year could well be at the York 9s, while in the full 13-a-side side arena it is set to be in a two-Test series against South Asia Bulls, who are led by former England international Ikram Butt.

They are also planning to play friendlies against Ireland, Scotland, Nigeria and Holland in the build-up to the European Championships.

The goal for the players would be to win a place in the Windies squad for next year's World Sevens in Australia, to which they have already received an invite.

"Australia?" added Alex. "In that case, I'll definitely get involved."

REFEREE Ashley Klein will complete a quick-fire hat-trick of appearances at Hun-tington Stadium tomorrow.

The Featherstone match is the Knights' third at home this season and Aussie official Klein will have refereed in every one.

Apparently, so the Press believes, Klein cannot drive and, being London-based, one of the easiest places to get to on the National League map is York, with it being a speedy journey up the east coast main line.

However, one potential problem that could arise regards claims of bias, albeit subconscious. On the one hand, opponents may feel Klein could be making friends with the Knights such is his familiarity with the place, and on the other hand the man-in-the-middle may feel pressured to overcompensate with his decisions in order to avert any argument that York are becoming his 'home team'.

Maybe it's something the RFL should look at for Klein's sake as much as anyone else's.

KNIGHTS wizard Danny Brough is to receive his Player of the Round award from Arriva before tomorrow's match.

As reported by the Press, Brough (pictured below) got the nod from rugby league writers following his starring role in the 58-16 win at Dewsbury a fortnight ago.

Tony Hargrave, advertising and promotions manager of York-based Arriva Trains Northern, said: "Danny's impressive 22-point haul made a significant contribution to the Knights' victory and his outstanding performance made him the perfect candidate for this accolade."

Brough is the second Knights player to win this award, which started when Arriva began their sponsorship of the competition last season. Second-row Scott Fletcher, who has since left Huntington Stadium, was awarded for his display in the 34-20 victory over Doncaster Dragons last March.

TALKING of the Dragons, it's a bit coincidental that this week's Challenge Cup draw has again left the Knights facing a quick-fire double-header against one opponent.

Last year, the Knights faced Doncaster away in the Arriva Cup one weekend then at home in the Challenge Cup the very next week. This year, the Knights face Featherstone at home in the Arriva Cup this weekend and away in the Chal-lenge Cup next week.

York lost both ties last year, so here's hoping history doesn't repeat itself.

Raise a glass to Rook & Gaskill

YORK pub Rook & Gaskill is stepping up its bid to be the number one drinking hole for Knights fans.

The York Brewery pub, opposite Walmgate Bar, already sponsors 33-year-old prop Craig Forsyth and tomorrow will officially open its splendid new 'Knights conservatory'.

The room, newly painted in Knights blue, has photos of all the players bedecked on the walls along with a Knights mini-shirt and newsletters and other rugby league paraphernalia.

There is also a special signed photo of recently-retired Rich Hayes, the favourite player of pub licensee Heidi Watkinson.

"I'm a Knights fanatic and the idea is for fans to visit here before and after games - and at any time really - knowing they will meet fellow fans, while the players will also come along now and again, " said 25-year-old Heidi, who is also a programme seller at home games.

Forsyth and team-mate Aaron Wood gave the conservatory the thumbs up this week and may well officially open it after tomorrow's game, when all Knights supporters are invited to go along.

Forsyth said: "It's a nice pub, the food is excellent and the conservatory looks brilliant. It's great that Heidi is supporting us and I hope the fans make it their local."

He joked: "I have friends who've already been in and said, 'I've seen your ugly mug on the photos'. I say, 'Ugly? I'm York's most eligible bachelor'."

By the way, Forsyth and Wood might be pictured with pints ahead of their training session on Thursday - but that was for photo purposes only. Coaching staff can rest assured they stuck to soft drinks, while beer fans can rest assured the pints were not wasted. Hic.

Jackson jumps to top again

CAPTAIN Lee Jackson bounced back to the top of the Evening Press/Collier Plant Hire player of the year table this week after his top show at Sheffield last week.

The former Great Britain hooker returned to the fray midway through the second half to help turn the game back the Knights' way in the 32-24 Challenge Cup victory.

He therefore picks up three points, while in-form loose-forward Damian Ball collects two after shaking off a back injury to put on another good display and score a fine individual try.

The final point goes to Craig Forsyth, who made another big impact off the bench and also scored a crucial try. Second-row Simon Friend just misses out.

Coincidentally enough, the fans' vote also saw Jackson pip Ball and Forsyth to the extra point.

Whoever the Press deems is man of the match in each game is awarded three player-of-the-year points, the second-best player gets two points and the third best one point. An extra point is given to the player who wins most man of the match votes from fans via email to peter.martini@ycp.co.uk

Standings: Jackson 7pts, Brough 6, Ball 5, Forsyth 5, Elston 4, Langley 3, Briggs 2, Graham 2, Callaghan 1, Rhodes 1, J Smith 1.

MAY I just point out I had no input last week in the awarding of the so-called man of the match as announced at Don Valley Stadium.

The man with the mike declared over the PA system that the award had been decided by "members of the press". But in truth it was "member of the Sheffield press" - which is why it went to an Eagles player (whose name I can't remember).

I suppose it's just another advantage of having a home tie.

FORMER Knights player-coach and Sheffield Eagles star Paul Broadbent was at the Don Valley Stadium on Sunday to watch those two former teams in action.

It was only his third game of the season since leaving Huntington Stadium - and the other two also involved Knights stars.

The first was Rich Hayes' Testimonial in January and the second was Lee Jackson's benefit match between Hull and Leeds last month.

Updated: 10:21 Saturday, March 06, 2004