York Wasps have been dealt yet another injury blow ahead of Sunday's clash with Keighley Cougars.

Back row forward Spencer Hargrave was today undergoing surgery after damaging thumb ligaments in last week's 2-0 defeat by Hull Kingston Rovers.

He is having a pin and wire inserted into the thumb which is likely to mean a long lay-off.

Andy Precious (broken ankle) and Craig Moore (thumb) have already been ruled out for several weeks while other players also picked up knocks last week.

Half-back Paddy Handley has hurt an arm and centre or second rower Darren Hughes has a leg injury.

One bonus for coach Lee Crooks is that scrum-half Gareth Stephens is set to make his first appearance after recovering from a hamstring strain.

The Wasps have made an encouraging start to the season, despite losing both their opening matches, but face a tough task against Keighley.

Crooks' former club have started the season in red-hot form, hammering Hunslet on the opening day before destroying champions Dewsbury Rams last week.

Off the field, the Wasps meet their insurers tonight as they try to resolve the non-payment of compensation to their former coaches.

Ex-coaches Dean Robinson and John Paterson are owed a combined total of more than £17,000 after winning their case for constructive dismissal against the club.

The Wasps believed they were insured but the insurance company have so far failed to pay out, claiming some of the coaches' grievances against the club pre-date the start of the insurance policy.

The pair should have received their money by November 27 and interest is accumulating daily.

Chief executive Ann Garvey and the major shareholders are hopeful they can reach an agreement with their insurers at the meeting which takes place tonight, and not last night as originally reported.

The Rugby League Coaches' Association, who are representing Robinson and Paterson, have already begun County Court proceedings.