SCOTT Rhodes has hailed the arrival of fellow half-back Phil Hasty as a boost to his own game as well as the club.

York City Knights recruited Hasty from Hull KR in the off-season but, rather than feel under threat, Rhodes says it has enhanced his desire to do well.

And, with the 2006 campaign now just 12 days away, he reckons things are looking good at Huntington Stadium.

"From a personal point of view, competition for places is good," said Rhodes, who looked impressive alongside Hasty when the two paired up in the 26-12 friendly defeat against Wakefield Trinity Wildcats earlier this pre-season.

"It's good for the team and, with Phil coming in, it's probably lifted me a bit to work harder to try to win a place in the team. He's a quality player, he's quick and has good hands."

York-born Rhodes is not new to competition at half-back. He shared duties last season with Paul Thorman and Chris Levy as the team stormed to the LHF National League Two title, and it again appears to be a three-way fight for two places this term, with Hasty in for departed captain Levy.

"We all want to play week in, week out and it's a case of who's playing the best gets the spot," said Rhodes.

"Me and Phil are probably more similar with a bit of pace and we tend to go to the line a bit more than Paul, but he's been doing a good job for the team.

"We all get on really well and we always give each other compliments if someone else does well.

"I suppose who plays best in the friendlies will decide who gets a starting role when the season begins."

It could have been a four-way fight for the six and seven shirts had the Knights' attempts to bring Scott Murrell to York proved fruitful. Instead, the Leeds Rhinos youngster joined Hull KR - whom the Knights face on the opening day of the National One season on Sunday week.

But Rhodes was not put out by the fact the club were looking at another half-back.

"Bringing quality players to the club can only be good for the team," he reasoned. "To have that kind of competition is good for me and it's good for Phil and Paul.

"The players who come in have got to prove themselves as well, so it's good for everyone.

"I'm confident in my own ability but it's down to (Knights boss) Mick Cook and who he decides will do the best job on the day."

The Knights host Super League club Hull on Sunday (3pm) in their final pre-season friendly. Rhodes added: "We're looking to improve on the Wakefield game.

"We've got a big squad and we haven't a clue who Mick is going to go with. It's good, it keeps you on your toes."

Updated: 09:32 Tuesday, January 31, 2006