YORK Wasps coach Leo Epifania and three star players would offer a new buyer their expert help in formulating a business plan and bringing in sponsorship.

Epifania - a veteran of more than 100 ARL games Down Under - has a proven track record in business and told the Evening Press today that he would support any moves to help the club get back on its feet.

Meanwhile, inspirational captain Peter Edwards, fellow Kiwi Carl Hall and Aussie Ben Sorbello, who are all experienced sales executives, have said they would use their expertise to help market the club and bring in sponsorship.

However, Sorbello said the trio would only put in this effort if a new board was to take control of the club.

The Wasps have been given until 3pm on Tuesday to find a saviour, otherwise the 134-year-old club's resignation from the Rugby Football League will be accepted.

Defiant fans have worked overtime to arrange and promote a public meeting at Huntington Stadium tomorrow (2pm), which they hope will see a massive show of support and prove to prospective buyers the club is worth saving.

Current board members, meanwhile, have been working to find a buyer or formulate a rescue deal having initially folded the club last Tuesday in the face of mounting debts.

Sorbello told the Evening Press: "We would be prepared to work on the marketing side for York Wasps.

"We could go out and get sponsorship. We're doing that anyway - it's our job. In our spare time we could do it for the club.

"But it depends on new owners coming in and a new board running the club."

Sorbello, Edwards and Hall are employed to market rugby league events for current Wasps sponsors World Rugby League. Sorbello also has more than six years' experience of managing a high-profile jockey in Sydney, while Hall worked in bringing in sponsorship for Doncaster Dragons during his time at Belle Vue.

"The club would need a proper structure, start with grass roots sponsorship, build up confidence in the city and grow from there," said Sorbello.

"For a start, hardly any players are sponsored individually, unlike most other clubs.

"Let's start afresh, create a new good vibe in the town, give people new opportunities and take it from there.

"It would more than pay for itself. There's plenty of money in York but you've got to go out there and get it. It isn't going to walk in the door."

Epifania too has not given up hope and would help formulate a plan of action if asked. His knowledge of rugby league and business could prove beneficial, especially as the Wasps have received criticism from various quarters regarding its structure.

"Coaching would come first but, if asked, I could use time outside of that to help formulate a plan for the future," he said.

"In fact I wish I could have done something for the current board."

The Aussie played for successful Australian clubs including Western Suburbs and Illawara, and in a coaching capacity worked alongside former North Sydney Bears and Wests boss Steve Goshn.

He was also a director of a successful personal fitness business in Sydney, which he sold before moving to England.

"It needs people at the club to form a structure. It needs to be a team thing and, if I was asked, I would like to be involved as much as I could," he added.

"I'd love it if the club created something that's going forward."

Epifania has given his backing to the supporters. "I think it's great the supporters are getting together," he said, promising that he and the players will be at tomorrow's meeting.

"The club has lacked fans at games but support comes from people feeling they are part of something.

"This is where the club needs the fans to get together and try anything they can to keep their club alive."

Updated: 10:30 Saturday, March 23, 2002