TWO of rugby league's finest will lead York Ironsides into battle in this summer's York International 9s.

Inaugurated in 2002 as part of the Queen's Golden Jubilee, the York festival this year promises to be bigger and better than ever.

LHF National League Two champions York City Knights have already signed up for the main Fairfax Cup competition and now two former internationals have agreed to lead the challenge from another home-town team.

Former St Helens, York City Knights and Wales speedster Chris Smith and former St Helens, Bradford and Great Britain star Paul Newlove will join forces to spearhead the Ironsides as player-coaches. Between them Smith and Newlove have won every honour domestic rugby has to offer.

The Ironsides are a representative team who, in previous years, have taken players from the city's amateur clubs. The bar will be raised this year and Smith and Newlove may extend the parameters to include former professionals with York connections, as well as some old friends.

Aware the Ironsides' previous efforts to win the Fairfax Cup have ended in gallant defeat at the latter stages, Smith said: "We mean business and will be selecting from the best the city of York has to offer. We might also add one or two big names."

Smith, who has previously represented Great Britain in the World 9s in Australia, is now player-coach of local amateurs Heworth, whose Elmpark Way ground will again host the festival. The main event takes place on Saturday, July 15, where teams will vie for the Fairfax Cup, while a secondary competition for development teams takes place the following day.

The Ironsides will again wear the Venice red and indigo blue colours with the lobster pot helmet logo in honour of Oliver Cromwell's legendary cavalry of the same name.

York born and bred Kevin Pratt, who is connected to Heworth, will manage the side. He has taken over from Spen Allison, who is the chairman of the British Amateur Rugby League Association and will be a VIP at the festival.

Pratt said: "The whole set-up will be well structured on and off the field and we are now actively selecting the squad and backroom staff. We hope we draw the Knights - and in the final. If so, Heworth will have to build another stand to get everyone in."

The much decorated Newlove, who was subject of rugby's highest-ever transfer fee, is a supporter of the nines version of the game.

"The action is fast, skilful and tough," he said. "The York Festival is gaining in stature every year. I'm really enthusiastic about the whole idea and look forward to helping the Ironsides lift the Fairfax Cup."

Tournament organiser Lionel Hurst added: "Special thanks are due to York and District Amateur Rugby League for their continuing support and help with the York Ironsides."

Updated: 10:56 Wednesday, March 29, 2006