York Wasps have taken their second player from Hull Kingston Rovers in as many weeks.

Half-back Mark Dooley will figure in Sunday's trip to Doncaster Dragons after teaming up with the Wasps this week.

As reported last week, Dooley was expected to sign for York this week and Wasps coach Lee Crooks today confirmed he had got his man.

It was initially expected to be a loan deal but Crooks explained: "I think they might release him so hopefully he'll sign to the end of the season then we'll look at him for next year."

Dooley, a 20-year-old stand-off, has represented Hull, Humberside and Yorkshire Schools and has had first team experience at Hull KR.

The Wasps have also taken former Hull KR back row forward Carl Bristow on trial from National Conference League premier division club Ideal Isberg.

However, attempts to bring former Wasps favourite Jamie Benn back to Huntington Stadium have hit a temporary glitch.

Benn recently broke his cheekbone playing for amateur club Castleford Panthers which will sideline him for at least the next two weeks.

Crooks revealed he is losing hope of luring ex-Leeds Rhinos winger Paul Sterling out of retirement. Despite lengthy discussions with Wasps' director of football Tony Coleman, Sterling has still not given the club an answer.

"I'm beginning to think it's probably going to be no-go but we will keep trying," said Crooks.

Meanwhile, Crooks has changed the Wasps' training regime to give him more time to work with the players.

Instead of Tuesday and Thursday, they are now training Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Crooks explained: "Just training Tuesday and Thursday was no good. We didn't have enough time.

"Now we come in on a Monday for rehab and to go through the video, then we do skills and ball work. Wednesday is a tough session and Friday is team work."

Updated: 09:44 Thursday, May 03, 2001