York Wasps have added another piece of the jigsaw for the new season by completing the signing of talented half-back Paddy Handley, writes Dianne Hillaby.

The former Heworth starlet, who still lives in York, has joined the Wasps on a one-season contract from Featherstone Rovers.

It is another major coup for coach Lee Crooks who now has a half-back pairing in place for the forthcoming campaign.

Handley will occupy the stand-off role with fellow newcomer Gareth Stephens coming in at scrum-half.

"I think he will complement Gareth well," said Crooks of Handley, who will be 25 next month. "I will look for Gareth to dictate things in the middle and Paddy can probe a bit more and support the forwards when they're trying to off-load.

"Paddy is an experienced player. He performed well for Featherstone in the NFP and has a good background - he signed for Leeds early in his career.

"He has mixed with good players all his career. I think he can help control the ruck area with his experience and knowledge.

"I did my Level Three coaching course with him and I know he thinks about the game. He knows how it should be played."

Huntington-based Handley is the cousin of Michelle Handley, who was recently selected for the Great Britain Ladies' Rugby League World Cup squad.

He played for amateur club Heworth as a youngster before signing for Leeds in 1993. He stayed at Headingley for four years before moving on to Featherstone where he formed a dangerous half-back combination with Jamie Rooney, who was voted the NFP's Young Player of the Year last season.

Crooks revealed Handley was keen to join his home-town club as he believes they are capable of being a competitive force this season.

And the Wasps boss hopes that, by placing the emphasis on local talent, supporters will respond.

"Paddy is a local lad and I've tried to keep the local lads involved in the team," he said. "The more lads you get playing that live locally is good for the club.

"They feel a lot for the club and the city and I hope the supporters realise that.

"As much as I try to get a winning side, without the supporters and the corporate side we will always be faltering because we can't go that next hurdle.

"I'm not saying they will see miracles straight away but there's room for optimism. We're looking for a bit of patience but ultimately we have got a squad on paper that's capable of being competitive. It's up to me to do my job as a coach to get a winning football team."

The Wasps boss is still in negotiations with Gareth Lloyd, Lea Tichener and Mick Hagan and is also speaking to two backs currently playing Alliance football for Super League clubs.

York fans have a month left to buy season tickets at their discount prices.

The offer runs out on September 29. Prices are as follows: Adults seating £110 before September 29 (£120 after); OAPs seating £77 (£84); Adults standing £88 (£96); OAPs standing £55 (£60); Junior Wasps £20.