Leroy Rivett's York Wasps career has ended before it even began.

The former Leeds Rhinos flier was expected to make his debut in yesterday's 60-0 defeat by Barrow Border Raiders.

But instead he turned out for York's Northern Ford Premiership rivals Keighley Cougars.

And to rub salt into the Wasps' wounds he scored two tries as the Cougars romped to a 52-12 victory over Doncaster Dragons.

Rivett's decision stunned Wasps coach Lee Crooks who was at a loss to explain the 24-year-old's actions.

"He trained with us on Thursday and was in the team to play then he rang me on Friday and said he was going somewhere else," said a disappointed Crooks, who will sit down this week to consider his future next season.

"You'd expect more from a player of his stature. He's made the club look stupid."

Rivett signed for York before last week's game against Sheffield Eagles but did not play in that match because of tonsillitis.

He had a get-out clause in his contract allowing him to join another club which opened the door for him to join Keighley.

Also expected to make his York debut yesterday was Lock Lane utility man Chris Stockton but he was another noteable absentee.

"He's another one who rang up and said he didn't want to play for us anymore," revealed Crooks, condemning the unprofessional conduct of the two players.

At least there were a couple of plus points for the Wasps boss.

Long-serving forward Andy Precious returned for his first game since breaking his ankle in the opening match of the season against Doncaster.

He has been working away in Newcastle but is now back on board and played half an hour yesterday.

In addition to bringing some much needed experience to the side, Crooks said: "He's got a bit of skill which is something we lack. He hasn't played for six months but he did alright."

Also back in the fold is scrum-half Gareth Oulton, who looked to have quit when he was substituted against Dewsbury two weeks ago.

Crooks explained: "He had a bit of a paddy but he's realised that if he is going to stay at the club he has to go along with what I tell him. At least he's held his hands up and admitted he was wrong.

"He starts with a clean slate now as far as I'm concerned."

Despite the return of Oulton - he replaced Danny Waite who is on holiday - the Wasps were unable to score a point for the second successive match.

They had three clear-cut chances in a competitive first half but fell away after the break.

Crooks said: "In the first half we showed a fair bit of commitment and unfortunately had three clear scoring chances and didn't take any of them.

"At 22-0 down at half-time I still thought we could get back into the game but we needed to control the ball and defend better and we didn't do that.

"We were very poor. To concede 38 points and never look like scoring is very frustrating."

Against a struggling Barrow side who had lost their coach Paul Charlton in midweek, Crooks had talked up York's chances before the game.

He said: "I thought we could get something from the game but I think I was the only one who expected it because the players obviously didn't."

Updated: 09:33 Monday, June 11, 2001