Talented Australian import Andrew Lambert has returned home after playing just two games for York Wasps.

AUSTRALIA BOUND: Wasps' star Andrew Lambert

The strong-running centre had made a big impression in his short spell at Huntington Stadium, but has had to fly back to his native land to be with his ill mother.

However, chief executive Ann Garvey said York are keeping a place open for him and would welcome him back if his situation changes.

It is yet another blow for the Wasps in a season which has seen them rocked by injury and illness in the opening three games, but assistant coach John Paterson said that was not their main concern this time.

"As far as the coaching and playing staff are concerned we just hope everything's alright when Andy gets back to Australia. Our thoughts are with him and his mother. Let's hope she has a speedy recovery," commented Paterson.

"It is a blow to us and it seems that with flu, injuries and now this, somebody up there doesn't like us at the minute. But we've got to adapt and get on with it."

Former Manly player Lambert, 23, will be disappointed not to have had more opportunity to display his obvious talents to the York fans. His try-scoring debut against Keighley came just two days after arriving in England and not surprisingly he was substituted before the end.

Then he came down with flu the night before Sunday's dramatic win over Sheffield but still played despite suffering its effects. Although it has not been the smoothest ride he has shown enough potential to suggest he could have been a major force in the NFP this season.

There is still a chance he will be back to fulfil that potential, as Paterson explained: "Andy has said that when things are sorted out in Australia he wants to return to fulfil his contract with York."

Lambert's proposed close-season move from Workington Town to Barrow Border Raiders fell through because of his mother's illness. It prompted him to return Down Under but he agreed to join the Wasps last month when her condition improved.

Now she has taken a turn for the worst and yesterday he travelled to Heathrow Airport to catch a flight back to Sydney.

The loss of Lambert is the latest in a long line of disappointments since the start of the season.

New signing Andy Hill has not played since the friendly against Hunslet, another newcomer Rob Lee played just nine minutes in the opener against Doncaster before breaking ribs and his former Hull FC team-mate John McCracken has managed only two substitute appearances because of flu and then a back injury.

The flu virus has been sweeping through the club during the last couple of weeks and new captain Paul Darley played just one game before falling victim. Sufferers Leroy McKenzie and Kevin Gray also missed the Sheffield game.

To top it all they have also lost the Sheffield match-winner, Andy Precious, for the next six weeks because of work commitments.

These are problems that coach Dean Robinson could well do without and he may be tempted to bring in a replacement for Lambert to maintain squad numbers.

With Lee still a couple of weeks away from fitness, it leaves Garry Atkins and Shaun Austerfield as the only recognised centres.

Other options available to Robinson could be to test out utility backs Carl Paterson or fit-again McCracken in the centre.

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