FORMER Super League winner Chris Smith is all set for his long-awaited return to action on Sunday as York City Knights visit Gateshead Thunder (3pm).

The 28-year-old former St Helens, Hull and Castleford flier is set to complete his long comeback from knee ligament damage at the Thunderdome as a likely substitute in the Arriva Trains Cup cross-group clash.

Knights coach Richard Agar is also handing a debut at centre to Aussie import Aaron Wood, who has also overcome a few niggles which have hampered him in the first few weeks of the season.

Wood's inclusion will no doubt enthuse the supporters, while Smith's return will be greeted with delight.

"I'm definitely looking forward to it," said the Wales international, who had been one of the most exciting players in National League Two last season before suffering the injury in June.

"I'm itching to get back, although I know it's going to be hard to get back in the team this year because of the squad we've got."

It is not the first time Smith has had to overcome severe knee ligament trouble as he had surgery on his other knee - the right knee - while a Super League player. But he admitted it was tougher to get back to fitness this time.

"I found it harder this time round," he explained. "I was a full-time player last time and had the physio there pushing me all the time. This time I've had to do a lot of it myself.

"It's taken longer this time but the hard work is definitely worth it. You have to get on with it to get back, prove your fitness and get in the team."

He added: "It was a bit sore four or five weeks ago and I had a few problems in training, so I left it another month and I feel it's definitely okay now.

"It might be at the back of my mind before the first tackle but once that's over and done with you get on with it. As soon as the adrenalin is going, you forget all about it."

As for tomorrow's clash against the team tipped to be the competition's whipping boys, he had a word of warning for his team-mates.

"We can't go up there thinking it will be easy," he said. "Gateshead proved that last year when they won at our place early in the league campaign. You can't take anyone lightly."

Agar was delighted to have Smith back and afforded him words of high praise.

"He's looking extremely strong and fit in training," he said. "I can't wait to get him back in the 17. His attitude in training is infectious and he's an out-and-out winner. He will be a vital player for us in whatever role he plays."

Rest for Rhodes

STAND-OFF Scott Rhodes is unlikely to be risked by York City Knights tomorrow after suffering a bang to his back in last week's Challenge Cup defeat of Villenueve.

Speedy centre Damien Reid, Gateshead's leading scorer last season, will also not get to play against his old team as, instead, Aussie Aaron Wood gets his first run-out for the club. Mark Cain, who took over at centre from Reid last week, drops to the bench.

Jim Elston is set to continue at stand-off in place of Rhodes, while Scott Walker as expected replaces rib injury victim Rob Kama on the wing.

Mark Stewart will be on stand-by in case of any last-minute changes, while new recruit Tom Andrews will also travel north, though he definitely won't play.

Gateshead: from Stephenson, Peers, Firth, Neighbour, Bulman, P Thorman, Fisher, Meads, McCallion, Line, Stannard, Bradley, Rutheford, N Thorman, Doherty, A Walker, I Ball.

Knights (probable): Graham, S Walker, Langley, Wood, Godfrey, Elston, Brough, Briggs, Jackson, Sozi, Callaghan, Friend, D Ball. Subs (probable): Cain, J Smith, Ramsden, C Smith. Stand-by: Stewart.

Updated: 10:01 Saturday, February 14, 2004