NEW York Wasps coach Lee Crooks is facing a frantic fortnight of contract talks as he attempts to get a full squad of players on board by the end of the month.

Only around eight players turned up for the first pre-season training session last night with many unavailable and others unsure about their future.

Spencer Hargrave is the only player to re-sign so far, as reported in later editions of yesterday's Evening Press, but Crooks is hopeful that situation will soon change.

"I'm not over-worried at the moment but by the end of August I want to have a squad of players tied down. Ideally I'd like about 23 players. Half-back is an area we've got to strengthen and the outside backs. But funds are limited so I've got to be a bit cagey," said Crooks, who was hoping to speak to some of the existing players today.

Crooks' first impressions are that players are still suffering a slight hangover from last season's disastrous campaign.

He said: "For whatever reason the players were disillusioned and that sort of apathy is still around.

"I've got to get rid of that. If we can get this week out the way and speak to all the players then we should be rocking and rolling and ready to go forward."

Hargrave has already put last season behind him and is determined to play a key role in Crooks' plans - but not the one he played last season.

He is desperate to lose his utility tag and stake his claim for the number 13 shirt.

Last season Hargrave, 22, played in 25 of York's 31 games but only nine of them were at his preferred position of loose forward.

The rest were in the second row and in the centre - the latter a position he is keen to avoid.

"I don't like playing centre. I've always played in the forwards and it was a big change to get some speedy players against me because I don't think I'm that fast," said Hargrave, despite finishing as the club's second highest try scorer last season.

"I want to be playing at loose forward. I want to make it my own position next season but that depends on me and my form."

Hargrave has played under Crooks at Castleford and believes the former Great Britain prop has the potential to revive the Wasps.

He was in the Cas Academy team which was coached by Crooks, who went on to become assistant to first team coach Stuart Raper.

"He got a few ideas from Stuart and he has his own ideas. With the record he has as a player you can't go against what he says," said Hargrave, who like Crooks lives in the Castleford area.

"It's a big boost that Lee's come in. I always wanted to stop at York. I had a few other clubs come after me but I thought it was better to be loyal.

"We're starting to go somewhere. I've got an idea of some of the other players that are probably going to sign and that's made a big difference, knowing that some of the best players from last season will sign."

Hargrave was approached by Batley Bulldogs and also had the chance to return to former club Castleford.

However, that would have meant another season in the Tigers' Alliance team. "I've played three games with their A-team and I did well but I don't want to play that sort of rugby. I want to get some recognition in the NFP," said Hargrave.

"The deals aren't going around in the NFP this season, so it's pretty good to be offered a contract. It makes me feel that I was well thought of last season."

PICTURE: THE CLOCK IS TICKING: York Wasps coach Lee Crooks has

decisions to make