York City Knights are trying to set up a ground-breaking affiliation with their namesakes from Down Under, the Newcastle Knights.

The Evening Press can reveal York's new professional outfit have contacted the Aussie big-guns with a view to setting up an antipodean partnership between the two rugby league clubs.

The idea was first mooted after York RLC decided on its new title, the York City Knights, ten days ago, following the name competition in the Evening Press.

The resurrected club then contacted their Newcastle counterparts, who have confirmed they will discuss the venture at their next board meeting.

York chief executive Steve Ferres said: "We are in preliminary discussions with Newcastle Knights as to whether there could be an affiliation between us and them.

"The talks have been on a broad level and at this stage we don't know any more, but they know we are to be called the York City Knights and, if they want to form an affiliation with a club in England, then we, as we share the same name, would be very interested.

"They might want to be involved and they might not, but it is an option for them.

"We've asked if they are interested and the ball is in their court."

The City Knights have already said they would look at marketing concepts used by the National Rugby League giants, who have become one of the biggest clubs in the world having joined the Australian Rugby League, now the NRL, in 1988.

They play at the 28,000 capacity EnergyAustralia Stadium and have on their books great names such as Andrew Johns, who is widely regarded as the world's best player, and fellow Kangaroos' stars Timana Tahu, Ben Kennedy and Matthew Gidley.

Ferres had talks this week with Newcastle chief executive Ken Conway, who has said the matter would be raised at their next board meeting.

"The fact they will discuss it is promising," added Ferres. "We don't know whether anything will come of it, but they have not dismissed it out of hand and are considering it.

"From our point of view, if there's nothing ventured there's nothing gained."

Meanwhile, the City Knights will hold their next fans' meeting on Tuesday, starting at 7.15pm in the Huntington Stadium bar.

Fund-raising, sponsorship and membership sales will be on the agenda, as the club strives to hit their £250,000 target before the start of the new-look National League season in March. All are welcome.

A range of club memberships, season tickets and sponsorship packages are available. For details contact Steve Ferres on 07976 155345.

Updated: 11:14 Saturday, September 21, 2002