NEW Zealander Michael Smith has given new York Wasps coach Lee Crooks a major boost by re-signing for next season.

Prop forward Smith has agreed a one-year deal, joining several other members of last season's squad to sign up.

Alan Pallister has re-signed for what will be his Testimonial year and second rower Andy Hill has also put pen to paper, as have Mick Ramsden and Gareth Lloyd.

Young forward

Adam Briggs has shown the benefits of an Academy team by agreeing a two-year deal while Matthew Mulholland, who joined York on loan towards the end of last season, has signed a one-year contract.

Terms have also been offered to Chris Judge, Leroy McKenzie, Leigh Deakin and Lea Tichener but Simon Irving will not be returning having joined Harrogate Rugby Union Club.

Offers to Andy Preston and Matthew Woodcock have been left on the table as they are unable to commit themselves due to both taking on new jobs.

Crooks has also been quick to identify last season's problems positions and is talking to a centre, scrum-half and full-back.

He hopes to announce a couple of signings in the next few days.

"I want to say to the people of York that we will have a competitive team next," said Crooks. "Some players are on holiday and I've yet to speak to them but 90 per cent of players at the club last season should re-sign.

"I'm optimistic that by the end of this week we will have a list of players we have definitely got."

However, replacing departed props Steve Hill and Rich Hayes is not a priority.

While acknowledging their influence last season, he added: "Mike Smith will be one of the replacements and I think we've still got a good set of forwards at the club."

PICTURE: KEY SIGNING: York Wasps forward Mike Smith