YORK Wasps have announced three friendlies before their Northern Ford Premiership campaign kicks-off at home to Doncaster Dragons on December 3.

Lee Crooks' new-look side will play Hunslet Hawks on Friday, November 10, at Huntington Stadium before travelling to take on Featherstone the following Friday (both fixtures 7.30pm kick-off).

On Sunday, November 26, Wasps will entertain reformed Gateshead Thunder at home, kick-off 3pm, with chief executive Ann Garvey hopeful of a bumper crowd.

"I was delighted that Gateshead have given us the opportunity to play them because I do believe they already have a good following," she said.

In another boost for Wasps, Clifton-based butcher Tony Neary has agreed to up his sponsorship of the club.

Neary, who has backed the club for a number of years, will now have his company's name on the Wasp's shirt sleeves and shorts.

Crooks knows his side are in for a tough start to the season - but he wouldn't want it any other way.

Wasps begin the campaign at home against a team who Crooks reckons are one of the two favourites to top the Northern Ford Premiership and be in the Super League frame after next year's NFP Grand Final - Doncaster.

Led by former York star St John Ellis, a former team-mate of Crooks at Castleford, the Dragons were among the front-runners all last term and the Wasps coach reckons they could be even stronger this time out.

"St John has done a tremendous job at Doncaster and I think he surprised quite a few folk with just how good his squad was last season," said Crooks of the side who beat Wasps on the opening day of last season 36-1.

"And that squad is even better this season as Doncaster, along with Widnes, have really set their stall out to try and make sure they get into Super League this time round.

"I feel that they are the two strongest squads on paper, which means that we have got our work cut out in our first game, but I am confident in my own abilities and those of my players and hopefully we will have a few cards up our sleeves and be good enough to upset 'Singe' and his side."

However, there will be no respite for the Wasps as they follow their opener with a 'derby' trip to Hull KR and then face Crooks' former charges Keighley at home before a Boxing Day feast at Huntington Stadium with the visit of David Plange's Hunslet Hawks.

"Certainly it is going to be tough as our first four games will be against teams who were in the top bracket last season," said Crooks.

" But we have got to play them at some stage and maybe it is better to face them before they have got into their stride and found their feet, rather than when they are into a pattern and going strong.

"Having said that, I am quietly confident that we can achieve something. If I can do my job to my best and the players live up to their potential there is no reason why we cannot match the top sides.

"I feel we have got the right blend of experienced players and good youngsters and the way they have trained so far makes me feel that we can really get stuck in this season."

With his players now able to focus on being in top form for a season's start that promises to be truly competitive, Crooks is more concerned that the club has still to resolve matters off the field - namely finding a major sponsor.

"We know where we stand as far as the playing side goes and hopefully that will inspire some local businesses to rally round the club," said Crooks.

"There are only two professional set-ups in the city - ourselves and the football club - and I am disappointed that we have not been able to find businesses who will give us their support.

"But all e can do is to show them that the club is heading in the right direction and hopefully local businesses will come to regard it that way."