YORK Wasps RL Club are to begin negotiations with coach Leo Epifania about extending his contract.

The Aussie arrived in November on a one-year deal but the club have been so impressed with his work that they are already keen to tie him down for longer.

The Wasps have also rewarded young trialist Carl Barrow with a two-year professional contract after his fine performances for the first team.

Epifania has not had the easiest of introductions to English rugby.

He inherited a paper-thin squad following the Wasps' financial woes of last season and a losing mentality that was taking the team to a club record 25 consecutive defeats.

Although a number of proven Northern Ford Premiership players have joined the Huntington Stadium revolution, promises of top-quality signings from overseas have not yet materialised and he has been forced to field at least one trialist in every game so far and a number of youngsters.

On top of that, a run of tough opening fixtures have left the Wasps bottom of the Northern Ford Premiership after seven games.

However, the former Western Suburbs and Illawara Steelers full-back and Guildford assistant coach has received praise from staff, players and fans from both in and outside the club.

And chief executive Ann Garvey today said: "We are delighted with the work he has been putting in. He has certainly brought a lot of players on. He's got an excellent relationship with the players and has a lot of respect and we feel that, given time, he will turn the club around.

"We are due to start negotiations with him in the next few weeks with regards to extending his contract."

Meanwhile, the Wasps clearly rate Barrow's ability and potential, as he has become one of only four players to have been given a contract longer than the current season.

The second row came to Wasps on trial in December as a 19-year-old from neighbouring amateurs New Earswick All Blacks.

He had come through the junior ranks at All Blacks and had a spell at Castleford Alliance last season before returning to White Rose Avenue.

His trial forms were extended to the end of this month, but the Wasps have now given him pro forms.

Garvey said: "Leo Epifania has been impressed with the way Carl has progressed.

"The club are looking to strengthen the team this year but we're also looking towards the coming years and, having discussed Carl Barrow with Leo, we feel he is a good prospect for the future.

"He's got a lot to offer the club. Leo thinks he is a player who will improve with more match experience playing alongside senior players."

Updated: 09:38 Thursday, February 14, 2002