NEW York City Knights signing Rob Kama has lauded his team-mates for their help in his bid to switch from rugby union to league.

The Fijian flyer, who has been training with the Knights for a fortnight after joining from York RUFC, was thrust into the spotlight as a surprise substitute in the vital National League Two clash against Hunslet.

He came off the bench on the hour mark with the game already won and showed glimpses of Fijian flair.

"They're awesome," he said of his new team-mates. "I thought fitting in with the guys was going to be the hardest thing about coming to the club but that's been the easiest. The hardest thing has been the training."

Kama - who has spent most of his career in union, most recently helping York win promotion to North Two East - asked the Knights for a trial and he did enough in training to earn a run-out in the first-team.

"I was hoping to see York (RUFC) get promoted and then do something different so I thought I would give rugby league a go," said the winger, who has previously played both codes for the Army but has never played league at this level before.

"It was a bit different, but I definitely enjoyed it," he said. "A try would have been good but I'm happy with it and it was great the team won. I think I was trying a bit too much but I'm quite happy. It was definitely a good time to make my debut."

Player-coach Paul Broadbent was happy with Kama's efforts. "He's got lots of enthusiasm and his commitment is second to none," he said.

"At the moment he's still learning the game but he showed he's got great feet and the ability to beat a man. He can beat a man from a standing start and if you can do that you're two-thirds of the way there."

Broadbent said he would have preferred Kama to have had more run-outs in rugby league before thrusting him in at the deep end.

"He's got to learn the mechanics of the game, it's a totally different ethic to rugby union and it's going to be a steep learning curve for him," he explained.

"With a couple more games under his belt he can be even more of a force but we're not able to run players not figuring in the first 17 so it was a case of finding the right time."

Knights chief executive Steve Ferres has been quick to praise the supporters for "turning an away match into a home game" on Sunday.

An excellent following from the Minster city travelled to South Leeds Stadium where they gave great vocal support as the Knights' romped to a 40-18 victory over second-placed Hunslet Hawks.

It was estimated that more than 250 York fans were there, which helped swell the crowd to 649, the biggest at South Leeds Stadium so far this National League Two season.

The Knights, meanwhile, still top the attendance charts for the division. Their home gates are averaging 1,406 for the season (1,095 for league matches), which is some way ahead of the next in the list, league leaders Keighley Cougars, who are averaging 1,083 (1,035 for league matches).

Ferres said of the following on Sunday: "There was a tremendous turn-out. It was like playing at home really. It's a following we can be proud of and I want to compliment them for turning up in such numbers and getting behind the side.

"It was a tremendous support and we at the club want to acknowledge the fact they are getting behind us so well."

:: Knights Supporters' Club will be a coach running to the National League Two match at Workington this Sunday.

The price and pick-up points are dependent on the numbers taking up the offer. Departure time will be about 10am. Anyone interested should contact the Knights club office on 01904 656105 by 5pm on Friday.

Updated: 10:56 Tuesday, June 17, 2003