SUPER League lynchpin Gary Hetherington has pledged his total backing to the resurrection of York Wasps.

The chief executive of Leeds Rhinos - a former Wasps' star - insisted professional rugby league could again survive and thrive in the city despite this week's shock closure of York RLFC.

Hetherington maintained there was major interest in the city and in helping to reawaken that desire he offered the expertise and experience of himself and Leeds Rhinos to the Wasps' cause.

He ventured too that stronger links between major players like the Rhinos and their Northern Ford Premiership neighbours could be the key to bringing back the good times.

Hetherington told the Evening Press: "It was obviously very sad with the demise of the York club. I remember starting out as a player there in front of full houses at Clarence Street and knocking over the likes of Leeds and Widnes.

"The situation now is disappointing, but it could turn itself into an opportunity.

"It has reawakened the dormant interest in the city. From what I have heard from the supporters' action group there is a tremendous enthusiasm and desire to recreate a York club. We, at Leeds Rhinos, would give every possible support to making that happen."

He said he would be willing to come to York, where he still has a riverside flat, to meet with the action group that has launched a 'Keep Wasps Buzzing' campaign to set up a Supporters' Trust.

The collapse of York had strengthened Hetherington's conviction of the necessity to forge stronger bonds between the game's giants and small fry.

Explained the Rhinos' chief executive, who 18 years ago was at the heart of the formation of Sheffield Eagles: "For the last five years there's been an absolute need for Super League clubs to support NFP clubs, particularly in the same area. That assistance could come in a variety of ways such as player development or putting in proper structures."

He denied that such a partnership was the precursor to 'feeder' clubs, adding: "Any 'feeding' would be done by the Super League clubs. With the demise of York, the near demise of Gateshead, and other clubs on the brink, these clubs need assistance.

"We have a perversity in the game whereby it's okay for a club like Bradford Bulls to put a lot of resources into a rugby union club (Wakefield) but should they like to move the same way in rugby league it is frowned upon. That's a problem rugby league needs to address."

With proper re-organisation Hetherington believed York could again rise.

"I want to see all rugby league clubs prosper and I have got a particular interest in York because it was one of my first clubs," he said.

"It is a rugby city. It has laid dormant for 20 years, but there's an underlying interest in the game that's not been exploited.

"With my time at Sheffield Eagles I know what it's like at that level. To start again York would have to get their structures right and I would really like to see the club do well."

- In another gesture the Rhinos' board have agreed that any existing York RLFC season ticket-holders can gain free admission to all the Rhinos' home Super League matches starting with tomorrow's clash against Halifax Blue Sox.

Updated: 11:57 Thursday, March 28, 2002