THE eye of the title-winning Tigers could help York Wasps become one of the surprise packages in the Northern Ford Premiership this season.

Gareth Dobson, Spencer Hargrave, Andy Hill, Jamie Benn, Chris Allen and Paul Butterfield were all in the Castleford Tigers squad which won the Academy championship four years ago.

They have now reunited at York and Hargrave believes the Wasps will feel the benefit of the bond they forged that year.

"It has helped with team spirit," revealed 22-year-old Hargrave, reflecting on the three pre-season matches. "It was coming back in the second half at Featherstone. We know what each other's thinking and it started to feel like it was at Cas that year.

"We all know each other - I know Gareth Stephens from when he was at Cas as well, and all the York lads are chipping in. It's a really good team spirit."

All three trial matches - coach Lee Crooks is keen to avoid the word friendlies - against Hunslet, Featherstone and Gateshead ended in defeat.

However, Hargrave still believes the Wasps can surprise a few people once the serious business gets underway tomorrow.

"We're a bit disappointed not getting a win but we haven't had our strongest side out," he said. "Paddy Handley and Gareth Stephens have been out at half-back and we need that experience to bring the forwards on.

"I think that's been the main reason we haven't got a win. I think we are quietly confident we can get in the top eight this season but we're not going to go shouting our mouths off about coming top.

"We're pretty far off being a top club but Lee's got a three-year plan for making the squad stronger and bringing in decent players."

Hargrave, now in his third year at Huntington Stadium, is desperate to make the loose forward role his own this season but has not been happy with his pre-season form.

"Against Hunslet I was very disappointed with my own performance. I hadn't missed one training session and thought I'd give it a really good go but it knocked me back because I didn't feel I'd played to my potential," he admitted.

"Against Featherstone I think I played pretty well but overall I'm disappointed with the way I've started. Parts of my game are lapsing.

"I'm passing the ball when there's no need to pass it - that's something I've had a word with Lee about."

Crooks has so far had a major influence on the side. As a former Great Britain international he is one of the select few who have reached the pinnacle of the game.

That has earned him great respect among the players, according to Hargrave. "Going into this season it's a totally different atmosphere from last year," he revealed. "We can see a light at the end of the tunnel. We've got something to aim for. We listen to Lee because he's done it in the game so he gets a lot of respect from the players.

"With him being a player he knows what the situations are like and can talk to you about it."

His coaching methods have also won favour with the players. He has introduced new drills and fitness work which is already paying dividends, as Hargrave explained: "It's the best fitness work I've ever done since I've been professional, even at Cas. It's been totally hard and I think we can see the benefits on the pitch.

"We are a lot fitter in the second half. Last year we fell off in the second half but this year we've been coming back into games. I think it will make a big difference this season."