WEMBLEY wing wizard Leroy Rivett is relishing the chance to become part of a bright new era at York Wasps.

As reported in yesterday's Evening Press, the former Leeds Rhinos ace has joined York initially until the end of the season.

But he is considering staying on next term after Wasps' director of football Tony Coleman outlined the club's positive plans.

"I've been speaking to Tony for some time and he's been telling me about the future of York Rugby League," said Rivett.

"He thinks the potential is there and they can be a more competitive force in the NFP next season. I don't see why not with the way he's outlined things and I'd like to be a part of that.

"My main aim is to get back into Super League and Tony wants to build York up so we're trying to help each other out.

"There's no real pressure on myself or York. It's just a matter of getting through this season and building for next year. I hope I can offer a lot of positives."

It has been a dramatic fall from grace since Rivett's four-try super show for Leeds in the Challenge Cup final at Wembley in 1999.

The arrival of Dean Lance as Leeds' coach the following season marked the beginning of the end for his Rhinos' career and he was loaned out to Huddersfield and Sheffield Giants.

But the change of scenery did not bring about a change of fortune. He was released by Leeds at the end of the 2000 season and has struggled to get fixed up with another club.

"I'm always asked want went wrong at Leeds but I have no answer for it," explained the 24-year-old.

"They got a new coach and he picked his strongest 17 which I wasn't part of. I've been kept out in the shadows since then. I've been struggling really, just mooching around.

"I had a chance to go Down Under, then that fell through. Recently I had a spell with Warrington but that was more to get back into training. It wasn't an opportunity as such.

"I'm really looking at playing first team football at some level and Tony's offered me that at York."

Rivett will go straight into the Wasps side for tomorrow's trip to Sheffield Eagles, possibly in the centre.

Coach Lee Crooks, thrilled to have a player of Rivett's ability and experience, revealed he was considering switching him from the wing to give him more opportunity to show his skills.

"Leroy's proved that he can play at the highest level. He will be a tremendous addition to the club," enthused Crooks.

"Hopefully it will be a timely boost for the rest of the lads."

Director of football Coleman confirmed Rivett's signing was the first step in attracting quality players for next season.

He said: "We've got plans in motion for next year. We have to raise the standard to the best we possibly can.

"Hopefully Leroy will stay with us and be the catalyst for us to attract players and sponsors."

Updated: 10:20 Saturday, June 02, 2001