Welsh trialist Max Ryce will be looking to grab his last chance with both hands after being included in the starting line-up for tomorrow's trip to Lancashire Lynx.

It will be Ryce's final match in his month-long trial which has so far seen him make just two 20 minute appearances from the substitutes' bench.

Caretaker coach Garry Atkins has named Ryce on the wing and, while admitting his inexperience may prove costly, believes he deserves a chance to prove his worth.

"We would have put Kevin Gray on the wing but it's Max's last week and he really needs to have a run," said Atkins.

"It's an experiment and it might be an expensive experiment but we're rock bottom so we've got nothing to lose. He is fighting for a contract so I'm sure he'll give it his best shot.

"There are people in the team we can shuffle around - Spencer Hargrave can go into the centre and Daz Callaghan can play in various positions so although it's a risk it's a calculated risk."

Ryce will be desperate to prove he is worth a contract so he can start concentrating on his long-term aim - a place in the Welsh team for the 2002 World Cup.

Although he knows he still has a lot to learn in rugby league, Ryce is hopeful York will provide the setting to develop his skills.

"I'm hoping that I will get signed up soon," said the ambitious 20-year-old, who has been playing rugby union for Welsh division one side Rhymney.

"I would like to develop my game in the centre and learn some tricks of the trade because I've been caught out in a few situations. I've got to learn positioning and the defensive slides.

"Then if I can develop my game I'd like to have a chance at the 2002 World Cup squad."

It is not Ryce's first attempt at rugby league having played for Cardiff Demons Academy last season as well as making two appearances for London Broncos Academy and having a run-out in the Wigan Warriors Alliance team.

However this is the first time he has been involved with a first team and is settling in well, despite the off-field problems which have surrounded the club this week.

He is determined not to let them distract him and said: "I am enjoying myself. I've come to a club that seems to have troubles but it's got nothing to do with me.

"All I want to do is prove my worth to the team and to the coaches."

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.