HULL KR's new star signing Paul Parker is set to make his debut for the Robins away to York City Knights tomorrow.

Parker - a team-mate of Knights' hooker Lee Jackson at Hull FC last season - made the switch across Hull last week, after turning down an expected move to Super League outfit Halifax.

He had been training with the Blue Sox and indeed played in a festive friendly for them before opting to stay by the Humber.

It was an about-turn that mirrored that of another major Rovers' recruit, Craig Poucher, who had seemed set to stay in Super League with London Broncos after leaving Hull FC, but instead moved to Craven Park.

Both backs are in tomorrow's squad, although their positions have yet to be confirmed.

Despite losing several star men in the close season, including Richie Hayes, Mark Cain and Alex Godfrey to the Knights, Rovers still have a strong squad under boss Steve Linnane and are among the favourites for Arriva Trains Cup honours.

They reached the final last year, losing to unbeaten league champions Huddersfield Giants, and in Parker and Poucher, as well as ex-Salford Super League player Nick Pinkney, have strengthened well.

Jackson, old mates with Parker and Poucher, was looking forward to playing against his former comrades, but admitted it would be a strange feeling not wearing the black and white of Hull against the Robins.

"There are a few people I'll know, but it will seem funny playing against Hull KR for York," he said.

Updated: 11:46 Saturday, January 18, 2003