NEW Earswick All Blacks ARLC have boosted their squad by bringing former professional Paul Meillam back to rugby league.

The ex-Huddersfield, York and Leigh player quit the game due to shoulder problems but, after surgery earlier in the year and a long period of rehabilitation, has returned, signing with the Pennine League division two club.

"He's trained with us for quite some time and has now decided to play again," said All Blacks player-coach Simon Baynes. "It's a good signing for us."

The full-back cum centre is in the provisional squad for Saturday's league game at home to lowly Queensbury 'A' (ko 2pm), as are Dave Calam and Paul Dooley, who both return.

However, Baynes - whose side honed their fitness by doing circuit training at a local boxing club this week - will be without Dave Carling, who is still out with a groin injury, and the un-available Carl Pallister.

Neighbouring Pennine League clubs York Groves, Selby Warriors and York Acorn 'A' again put their league campaigns on hold for cup action, in the first round of the Andrew Bennett Memorial Trophy.

Groves, of division five, face an almighty task as they entertain on-fire Boothtown Terriers, who have a 100 per cent record up in division three.

The in-form Warriors are also up against a side from a higher tier, travelling to division four team Thornton.

Acorn 'A', who were promoted with Thornton from division five last season, face a potential banana skin, away to Woodhouse Warriors, who are unbeaten and riding high in division six.

Heworth 'A' visit Castleford Panthers 'A' in Yorkshire League division three.

Updated: 11:14 Thursday, November 11, 2004