York Wasps were among the clubs being represented at a meeting today to discuss the desperate state of the Northern Ford Premiership.

Sir Rodney Walker, chairman of the Rugby Football League, was being told that many of the sport's oldest clubs were on the brink of extinction due to worrying financial problems.

Chris Hamilton, the chairman of Oldham and the Association of Premiership Clubs, invited Sir Rodney to the meeting at Dewsbury in a bid to come up with a rescue plan.

Next season marks the last year of News Corporation funding and some clubs have already spent that money.

York and Doncaster have both been forced into Company Voluntary Arrangements, Hunslet are hanging on to life by a thread and Keighley now face an uncertain future following owner Hami Patel's decision to stop putting money into the club.

The AFP were debating when they should start their new season to best benefit the clubs financially.

* Keighley Cougars' flier Jason Lee has stepped back into the big time with Super League side Halifax Blue Sox. Lee, scorer of two tries against York Wasps earlier this season, has joined until the end of the season.

Updated: 15:33 Friday, May 04, 2001