YORK Wasps have refused to comment on speculation that speedy winger Neil Bennett was to join the club.

There were rumours that the try-scoring ace was set to sign ahead of the Wasps' New Year's Day clash against Swinton Lions.

However, a website for Wasps' Northern Ford Premiership rivals Doncaster Dragons has also claimed he was to re-sign at Belle Vue, and Wasps' chief executive Ann Garvey declined to confirm or deny any of the speculation.

Bennett made his name with Doncaster, from whom Wasps have already acquired star players Peter Edwards and Carl Hall this season.

He signed for the Dragons from amateur outfit Castleford Lock Lane in 1999 but left Belle Vue at the end of last season amid rumours of a dispute with coach St John Ellis, the former York player, and has since been playing for amateur outfit Redhill.

Bennett had a magnificent scoring record for Donny, scoring more than a try per game in his first season and catching the eye of a number of Super League clubs.

If he were to sign for Leo Epifania's men, he would offer some much-needed pace out wide.

Updated: 12:14 Friday, December 28, 2001