Leroy still on board

WING wonder Leroy McKenzie has definitely not turned his back on York Wasps, according to chief executive Ann Garvey.

McKenzie has been unable to get to training over recent weeks due to work commitments and has been turning out for Hull Rugby Union Club.

That prompted coach Lee Crooks to accept that fans' favourite McKenzie was no longer interested in playing for the Wasps.

However, that has been denied by the chief exec who insists she has given permission for Leroy to play for Hull.

"Leroy hasn't left the club. He is playing for Hull to keep fit because in his job he has to travel down south and cannot come to training," she said.

"He has said he would be delighted to come back whenever he can. But he doesn't expect to be picked if he is not training which is a refreshing attitude."

Leroy has apparently been upset by reports that he has left York, and Crooks will be contacting him to clarify the situation.

That must be good news for the Wasps as they need all the players they can get at the moment.

And it's just not the same at the Stadium without the chants of "Leee-roy, Leee-roy" coming from the terraces.

It was a sad reflection on rugby league that talented Wasps back rower Spencer Hargrave was forced to quit the game this week at the age of 22.

Spencer was one of the driving forces behind the Players Fund and has also been doing his utmost to attract sponsorship to supplement his income.

Sadly he has soon discovered what the Wasps know only too well - sponsors do not grow on trees. In fact, they barely seem to exist in any shape or form.

Spencer has become disillusioned by the sport as a whole and it's a worrying thought that more players, not just at York, could soon follow.

The current York payment structure, in which players receive a percentage of the gate receipts, has ultimately forced Spencer's hand as he can no longer afford to play.

That is understandable, but what also has to be understood is that the Wasps have introduced this unique system to guarantee their survival.

At the end of the day it's the lack of supporters through the turnstiles and lack of sponsors which are stopping the system from working.

With news this week that Doncaster are now facing financial crisis, the Wasps could well be the first of many clubs to come up with radical measures to safeguard their future.

Rupert Murdoch had better watch out - a new independent paper launched in York could soon be challenging his domination of the media world.

The Crooksy Post is packed full of info' about your favourite RL team, seen through the eyes of the Wasps players, of course.

Here's one of the more printable snippets from the last edition: 'Latest news on Mick Ramsden is that he is still injured, although news is that the star will be fit for Christmas. The club and players are now taking bets on which year. With this year's odds being 1000-1 the bookies are giving nothing away.'

You get the idea. It's very amusing and all the profits go to the Players Fund, so buy a copy the next time it's on sale.

Calling all female Wasps fans. Next Friday a Ladies Night, complete with male entertainment, is being held to raise money for Alan Pallister's testimonial.

It takes place at Clarence gardens Hotel (7.30-11.30pm) and tickets are £7.50, which includes buffet, disco and of course, the highlight of the night, the entertainment.

For tickets ring Ann Wright on 01904 424434.

Pally's testimonial brochure is now on sale, price £3, and will be available at all future matches.

If referee Julian King wants to cut down on travelling expenses he should consider moving to York.

The St Helens' whistler has taken charge of the Wasps' last two home matches and, according to the RFL, he is also scheduled to officiate at the next one against Gateshead.

Hopefully the outcome will be slightly different or Wasps fans will be calling for this King's abdication.

A big thank you must go to Leigh Centurions for restoring everybody's faith in rugby league.

Their Challenge Cup win over Salford City Reds last week was one in the eye for Super League and proved the NFP, at least at the top end, can compete with the big boys.

Leigh should be renamed the NFP Lionhearts for the next round against Warrington, judging by the messages of support they have been getting from fans of every other NFP club.

I'm sure there will be plenty of neutrals turning out at Wilderspool to cheer on the Centurions and thank them for earning the NFP the recognition it deserves.

Gareth Lloyd has soared into joint top spot in the Evening Press/Guildford Construction Player of the Year standings.

It was another top class performance by the in-form centre against Villeneuve last week, his strong running proving a real handful for the French side's defence.

There were few other noteable displays among the York players as they struggled to make much impact.

Gareth Dobson, playing in the unfamiliar position of loose forward, was the only other player to catch the eye.

He takes the two points on offer in the Player of the Year ratings as the second best player.

There wasn't much to choose between the rest of them but the final point goes to Paddy Handley who tried his best with little support and was rewarded with a try.

The top player in each game is awarded three points, the second best player two points, and the third best one point.

The winner at the end of the season will win the £350 first prize with the runner-up getting £150 from sponsors Guildford Construction.

Points so far: Michael Smith 10, Gareth Lloyd 10, Paddy Handley 6, Gareth Stephens 4, Craig Forsyth 4, Alan Pallister 4, Darren Crake 3, Gareth Dobson 2, Darren Hughes 2, Craig Moore 2, Jamie Benn 2, Chris Allen 2, Shaun Austerfield 1, Leroy McKenzie 1, Spencer Hargrave 1.