Leader of the pack Paul Darley is hoping to emulate his past achievements when he takes over the role of York Wasps captain on Boxing Day.

Paul Darley

Back row forward Darley has been installed as the new Wasps skipper following the departures of John Strange and Peter Edwards who shared the honours last season.

And it could prove to be a shrewd move by coach Dean Robinson- Darley has previously held the responsibility when he captained the Castleford Tigers Alliance team during a successful spell.

"We got to a couple of a cup finals so I don't think I did a bad job then," recalled the 25-year-old, now in his second season with the Wasps after joining them from Hull FC.

"I don't know if I was first choice at York but it's an honour. Dean (Robinson) pulled me to one side in training and asked me if I'd like to take it on and I said yes.

"It's a responsibility but you have to blank it out and get on with your own game.

"I know a lot of people tend to suffer with the extra pressure but at the end of the day you're just tossing a coin for the kick-off and speaking to some of the guys behind the posts. Mark Cain is vice-captain so we should do well."

It was almost a very different story for Darley who revealed he was on the brink of leaving Huntington Stadium in the close season.

But in the end it was the signings of his neighbours Andy Hill and Spencer Hargrave which convinced him to stay at York.

He said: "I nearly signed for Keighley and Sheffield also offered me a contract. But Dean needed a decision. Sheffield didn't have it in black and white that they would be in the pot and Keighley offered me a good contract but the travelling put me off.

"It was an hour's run but York is only half an hour from where I live near Leeds.

"Signing Spencer and Andy made my mind up. They live in the same village as me so we're travelling partners now, and we pick Steve Hill up as well.

"Last season I was travelling down by myself four times a week which was expensive but now I only have to drive once a week."

Those four will be an integral part of the pack which Darley believes will be vital to York's chances this season.

While the back division is almost a completely new unit, the bulk of last season's forwards have been retained and boosted by quality signings.

According to Darley, that should ensure they repeat last term's top six finish.

"We've only had one pre-season game so it's going to take a couple of weeks to gel together but I think we'll do as well as last season. The goal is for a top four spot - last season we just missed out.

"It's going to be a totally new backline but with the forwards we've got we're going to have one of the strongest packs in the league. Mick Hagan is coming on leaps on bounds and there's going to be competition in the centres.

"It's going to take three or four games for everyone to gel together and there are going to be mistakes. But training's going well, it's just a matter of getting everybody back on the park, starting against Doncaster on Boxing Day."

As far as Darley is concerned, they couldn't have a better opener. "I'd love to get one over on them. I was nearly going to Doncaster - they spoke to me three times. And they've got Peter (Edwards) and Fata (Sini). It's going to be a big game."

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