Alex Godfrey has hit back at claims from York Rugby League Club that he is turning his back on the Wasps for a better contract with first division rivals Dewsbury Rams.

The winger was angered by comments made by York chief executive Jim Race in Saturday's Evening Press that he was motivated by "sheer greed" and had "shown no loyalty" to the Wasps.

The 19-year-old also denied he had agreed a deal with the Rams and confirmed he was just considering their offer.

In a prepared statement, Godfrey said: "As a contracted player for York Rugby League Club I am disappointed that such bitterness has been presented.

"I signed a contract with York until December and have completed that to my utmost ability. I, with the rest of my team-mates, pulled on the York shirt for several weeks without pay last season which in my eyes shows true loyalty.

"I have been offered a contract from Dewsbury which I am considering. The contract is not to my financial gain whereas the York contract would have been so Jim Race's comments about "sheer greed on Godfrey's part" are not true at all.

"The reason for my considering a move would be to further my rugby career with a well established team and coach (Neil Kelly) in the first division, along with his squad.

"I would hope that York RLFC would have understood my position without any animosity.

"Playing through last season with the other team members was tremendous and it was an honour to play for my home city and gain promotion for the loyal supporters and my personal sponsor as they have both been great to me."

York coach Dean Robinson said he had been expecting Godfrey to sign a new two-year deal with the Wasps last Friday.

But Godfrey revealed he had been offered a two-year deal with the Rams the previous day and wanted to have more time to consider it before making a decision.

He stressed he had still not made a decision but said there was a still a possibility he would re-sign for York.

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