MAN on a mission Shaun Austerfield will be out to prove that Villeneuve's loss was York Wasps' gain when he tackles his former club tomorrow.

The 25-year-old had two outstanding spells with the French side while on the books of Dewsbury Rams.

He was all set to make the move permanent in 1997 but Villeneuve were unable to come up with the £20,000 asking fee - allowing York to make their move.

He eventually joined the Wasps in January 1998 in a deal which saw Damian Ball go the opposite way.

Since making his debut in the Silk Cut Challenge Cup victory over amateurs Norland, the Barlby-based centre, or second rower, has become an integral part of the Wasps' squad.

It could have been so different though, as French-speaking Austerfield recalled: "I was there for two years and was meant to sign for them but their president left and they couldn't pay the money.

"I came home and didn't bother going back. I don't regret it though - I was a bit homesick. I prefer it over here."

Austerfield, who will revert from second row to centre for tomorrow's Challenge Cup fourth round tie at Huntington Stadium, is keen to prove a point to the French championship leaders. "I want to show them what I can do. It's always good to play against a team you've played for - you've got to beat your old teams," he said.

Ironically he faced another one of his ex-clubs, Oulton Raiders, in the last round.

"I think we will win, definitely.

"When I was there we got to the French cup final and I think there were 15,000 there. I don't think they've got as good a side now because they ran out of money when the president left. But they've got some good players from Paris St. Germain and have a young side so they will be enthusiastic. It will be a tough game."

A number of players from Austerfield's era are still at Villenueve, including internationals Freddy Banquet and Vincent Wulf, and player-coach Grant Doorey.

Australian Doorey, once of Keighley Cougars, is fully aware of the threat posed by Austerfield.

He said: "I always thought Shaun was a good player. He did a good job for us."i more than anything."

Updated: 10:53 Saturday, February 10, 2001