NEIL Thorman would love to stay at York City Knights next season - but must first get his head round trying to dent their title aspirations.

The 21-year-old lines up for Gateshead at Huntington Stadium tomorrow having been loaned out to his home-town team but allowed to play against his parent club in a crucial LHF National League Two encounter.

His peculiar situation is made even more unusual as he lines up against brother Paul for the first time ever, but he said: "I'm in that position, but I'm getting paid to play for Gateshead and I've got to do my best."

Thorman junior returned to his old club a fortnight ago, doing leaders York a huge favour in his first game for Gateshead by scoring a vital try in a one-point win over title rivals Workington.

He said: "The idea was I needed to play for the entire loan period and it just so happens York play Gateshead during the month. Knights coach Mick Cook said I needed the game-time, and I suppose whatever happens happens.

"I don't think it will change anything for me or that the Knights will have anything against me. You just play the best you can for the team you play for and I'm not going to lay off just because it's York."

He added: "I'd love to stay with York. It's a young, up and coming club and it's got the ability to make it.

"I think this will encourage me to play better, to show I'm still wanting that spot at York and that I'm up for the challenge."

Neil and 22-year-old Paul, who still live together on Tyneside, have never faced each other before having played trial games together, making their names at Gateshead and then signing together for York at the start of this season.

Neil said: "It will probably be a bit strange and I don't know how I'm going to take it, but I won't go soft on him or anything.

"We both played against our older brother, Huddersfield player Chris, in a cup match when we were at Gateshead. There wasn't any nerves, it actually made the game more fun and a bit more competitive to try to get one over your brother."

Paul said: "In all these years, we've never played against each other competitively - apart from in those backyard test matches we used to have.

"I'd like to say it's not strange but it's always going to be in the back of my mind that my little brother is on the other team. But I can't be thinking about how Neil's going to play. I'm going to concentrate on my own game and on what Mick Cook asks me to do, and to perform well for the team."

As for Gateshead, he added: "Living in the same town, I see them out and about and there's been a bit of ribbing this week. They're a very competitive team as the latest result against Workington showed. They look a good outfit but, with the situation at the top being so tight, we can't afford to drop points."

Updated: 10:22 Saturday, July 23, 2005