CLUB seeker Scott Rhodes is hoping the Rugby League World Cup will act as a springboard for a new phase in his career.

The York-based scrum-half, currently on the books of Leeds Rhinos, will be out of contract at the end of the month.

And with first team chances at Headingley limited he is keen to pursue his career elsewhere, with the World Cup providing the perfect stage to catch the eye of other Super League clubs.

Rhodes, from Clifton, is one of three half-backs in the Scotland squad which will compete in Group Four against Ireland, the Maoris and Samoa.

The others are Richard Horne and Matt Crowther, both of Hull FC where 20-year-old Rhodes spent the end of last season on loan.

He impressed in a couple of games against Wigan and Bradford but Hull have since signed Tony Smith from Wigan so Rhodes is unlikely to figure at the Boulevard next season.

That has left him looking at other options which have so far not materialised.

"I have been offered a deal with Leeds but I don't think there's any point me signing if I'm not going to be in the first team," Rhodes told the Evening Press.

"I came through alright at Hull but again, if I'm not going to be playing I don't think it would be worth my while.

"I'm looking for another club and my agent is doing his best. If I play well in the World Cup hopefully something will come up."

Rhodes, who signed for Leeds as a 15-year-old from amateur club Heworth, made his Scotland debut almost a year ago to the day in the Triangular Tournament against Wales.

Having never played in Super League, the call-up came as something of a surprise to Rhodes but his World Cup selection was less of a shock.

He has been influential in the Rhinos Alliance side and got his first team break with Hull under Shaun McRae - who is also Scotland's coach.

Rhodes is hopeful he impressed McRae enough to get at least one start during the competition.

The Scots have been training in Leeds but will soon move to Edinburgh where they will be based for their group games against the Maoris in Glasgow on October 29, Ireland in Dublin on November 1 and Samoa in Edinburgh on November 5.

The bookmakers see Ireland and the Maoris as favourites to progress to the knock-out stage but Rhodes has other ideas.

"We've got a tough group but I think we've got a decent chance," said an optimistic Rhodes.

"We've got some good players and I think we have the ability but it depends on how we play. If we have a good build-up and train well I think we can beat the other teams in the group."

However, Rhodes is less confident about England's chances. Although they should go through in a group which features odds-on favourites Australia, Russia and Fiji, Rhodes said: "I don't think England will do that well. I just don't think we can match Australia and New Zealand - maybe a Great Britain team could have done but I don't think an England team can."

Andy Lambert, who has signed for Gateshead Thunder after being released by York Wasps, is on stand-by for the Scotland squad in case of injuries.