YORK City Knights star Chris Langley is eager to shake off injury and get back on centre stage as the Knights seek a Powergen Challenge Cup triumph this weekend.

The 23-year-old centre and loose-forward Damian Ball were both injured during Sunday's big win at Dewsbury Rams, but both are hoping to recover full fitness ahead of this Sunday's big Challenge Cup fourth round tie at Sheffield Eagles (ko 3.15pm).

Langley revealed he did not pull a hamstring as first reported but suffered a dead leg in that area, forcing him to come off in the first half of Sunday's match.

He said he was eager to return to action quickly, and added that team-mate Ball, who suffered a bang to the lower back, was also keen to play - especially so as he is now based in the Steel City, where he is a student at Hallam University.

"I would like to think I'll be all right for Sunday," said Langley. "I've been having treatment for it and although there's a bit of soreness it will hopefully be all right by Sunday. You can't really say for definite yet, but I really want to be part of it because it's a big game for us.

"Hopefully we can beat Sheffield and then possibly it's a big tie for us in the next round."

He added: "Damian Ball took a blow to the lower back and is also having treatment.

"It's early days up to now, but he will be very keen to play as he's based in Sheffield and will have a lot of people going to watch the game."

Meanwhile, Aussie recruit Aaron Wood knows he has a fight on his hands to stay in the Knights' line-up.

The fit-again 25-year-old, who is one of a handful of players fighting for a centre spot, made his debut in the win at Gateshead a fortnight ago and, despite picking up a dead leg in that match, was back for the big victory at Dewsbury on Sunday.

"It was good. I wouldn't have minded putting a try on the board, but they were my first runs since two pretty serious groin operations in October.

"My groin has been fine and I'm pleased we got the good wins."

As for keeping his shirt, starting with Sunday's tie at Sheffield, he said: "Only Richard Agar (coach) knows who will be in the team.

"I'll speak with him to see where I go wrong and where I go right and take it from there."

Wood, who moved to England in the closed season, has also sung the praises of the Livingwell health club in Nether Poppleton.

Not only does he use its gym, but he has also secured part-time work there - and they have sponsored him too. "It's a nice place with a good atmosphere."

Sheffield Eagles are 'extremely optimistic' Sunday's tie will go ahead. The main doubt was potential overnight frost tomorrow.

Updated: 10:59 Friday, February 27, 2004