YOUNG York City Knights prop Joe Helme will miss the start of the season after securing a place in the fire service.

The 20-year-old will miss virtually all of the Arriva Trains Cup competition due to training commitments but should be back for the start of the National League Two campaign, which kicks off on April 12 at home to Chorley Lynx.

Coach Richard Agar said: "Joe has got into the fire service so from January 4 he will be on his 11 or 12 week training course with them so he's going to be out of action for that period.

"It's a bit of a blow, football-wise, but for Joe, it's going to be his occupation for the rest of his life so we will support him through it."

Elsewhere in the squad, Mick Ramsden is finally nearing full fitness after a groin operation and Alex Godfrey is also close to making a return to training.

England's Under-17s succeeded where Great Britain failed when they completed a 2-0 series whitewash over Australia with a 34-14 win at Featherstone last night. Their latest victory followed a 28-22 win over the tourists at South Leeds Stadium last Friday.

Updated: 10:27 Thursday, December 11, 2003