YORK Wasps coach Lee Crooks has more than one reason to beat Hull KR tomorrow - he is a staunch supporter of cross-city enemies Hull.

However, although the former Black and White prop forward admits victory over the old foe would be extra special, it is the two Northern Ford Premiership points that would give him the most delight.

Crooks was capped 17 times for Great Britain in an illustrious playing career, which began with schoolboy heroes Hull before his 1987 switch to Leeds and a later move to Castleford.

The highlight of his career remains Hull's 1982 Challenge Cup final replay win over Widnes at Elland Road when, as a youngster, he scored a try and two goals.

"I've always been a Black and White and to get one over on Hull KR will bring a smile to my face and a smile to the faces of many people in west Hull," he told the Evening Press.

"But the game is about York going over there and performing to the best of their ability. If we can get a result then I will be more pleased for the players.

"The rivalry between (Super League club) Hull and Hull KR has probably been diluted since they've been in different divisions. I supported Hull as a boy and went on to play for them, and back then the rivalry was very intense.

"But my main aim now is to see our players play well and compete. If we come back with a result that's my job done and dusted. As far as Hull v Hull KR goes, that doesn't worry me any more."

While York opened their campaign with a home defeat by Doncaster Dragons, Hull KR won 18-0 at new-boys Gateshead, who beat Wasps in the final pre-season friendly at Huntington Stadium just a week earlier. But Crooks believes a tip-top York display could topple the Humbersiders.

"Hull KR were up there last season and the year before and there's no reason why they shouldn't be up there this year," he said.

"They are historically probably the biggest club in the division.

"They've a new coach with new ideas but they've had continuity, which helps, while we are starting from scratch and each game is a learning curve for us.

"I was pleased with the effort against Doncaster, but we need a bit more brains. I'm looking for the same commitment and if we can play smarter I'm sure we could cause a bit of a surprise. We've definitely got the ability to cause teams problems."

Tomorrow's likely line-ups

Hull KR (probable): Andy Taylor, Anthony Chamber, Chris Kitching, Whetu Taewa, Bright Sodje, Darren Callaghan, Scott Yeoman, Rich Hayes, Steve Cochran, Jon Aston, Andy Smith, Richard Slater, Chris Charles. Subs: Dean Andrews, Alan Dunham, Paul Fletcher, David Luckwell/Jamie Bovill.

York Wasps (from): Jamie Benn, Paul Butterfield, Darren Hughes, Gareth Lloyd, Leroy McKenzie, Paddy Handley, Gareth Dobson, Craig Forsyth, Alan Pallister, Michael Smith, Andy Hill, Spencer Hargrave, Chris Allen, Shaun Austerfield, Matt Mullholland, Mick Hagan, Gareth Oulton, Nathan Pincher, Mick Ramsden.