FANS' favourite Gareth Dobson will be back in a York Wasps shirt next season.

The livewire hooker has re-joined the Wasps in a one-year deal from Super League outfit Castleford Tigers.

Dobson, 21, was on loan at Huntington Stadium last season but was recalled by the injury-hit Tigers towards the end of the campaign.

A shoulder injury meant he never got the chance to establish himself in the first team. However, he could be handed a dream leaving present by the Jungle dwellers - a chance to play his part in helping Cas to the Grand Final.

First choice hooker Aaron Raper is doubtful for tonight's elimination play-off against Leeds Rhinos which could mean a call-up for Dobson.

For that reason York have agreed that his contract with the Wasps should not start until after the Super League play-offs.

York chief executive Ann Garvey said: "He has signed for us but his contract will start after the Grand Final. If he gets the opportunity to play in Super League it would be unfair to hold him back."

Wasps coach Lee Crooks thought he had missed out on the chance to sign Dobson when it was rumoured that both Gateshead Thunder and Batley Bulldogs were chasing him.

He came close to joining Batley but that move fell through, prompting Crooks to move quickly and come up with a suitable offer.

Garvey added: "Gareth without a shadow of a doubt wanted to stay last year. When he did go back to Castleford he always came to the matches at York to watch.

"He is excited and looking forward to coming back to the club."

Last season Dobson was switched to scrum-half by caretaker coach Garry Atkins to accommodate both he and fellow hooker Alan Pallister in the team.

It proved an inspired move, although Dobson admitted he still saw himself as a hooker.

Dobson becomes the 23nd member of Crooks' new-look squad. The others are Jamie Benn, Max Ryce, Darren Hughes, Paul Butterfield, Shaun Austerfield, Chris Allen, Richie Baxter, Craig Moore, Gareth Lloyd, Matthew Mulholland, Leroy McKenzie, Gareth Stephens, Paddy Handley, Adam Briggs, Michael Smith, Alan Pallister, Andy Hill, Mick Ramsden, Andy Precious, Craig Forsyth, Spencer Hargrave and Mick Hagan.

Winger Leigh Deakin is to join Lea Tichener at amateurs York Acorn while he battles back to fitness from the knee ligament injury which forced him to miss the whole of last season.

The try-scoring machine had planned to fight his way back with the Wasps but believes that joining Acorn for training and matches will aid a speedier recovery.

Garvey said: "We have no objections if it gives him the opportunity to get back playing rugby."

Depending on his progress, Deakin is likely to join up again with York nearer the start of the Northern Ford Premiership season on December 3.

There will be a sponsor's evening at Huntington Stadium on Thursday, September 28, starting at 7.30pm. Anyone interested in attending should contact Ann Garvey on 01904 634636.

dianne.hillaby@ycp.co.uk