PAUL Broadbent has warned that none of his York City Knights players are guaranteed a starting berth in their favoured position.

Broadbent has tried different combinations in different areas so far in the Arriva Trains Cup group matches, and he says this is likely to continue as he seeks to find his best team. And, as such, some players will have to play out of their preferred position.

"We're trying to work out what's working in certain areas," explained the former Great Britain international, who made his playing debut for the club against Dews-bury last week after overcoming shoulder surgery.

"Nobody is guaranteed a shirt in a certain position on a weekly basis. It depends on how people perform and on injuries."

The Knights, who have this weekend off, are back in action a week tomorrow at Sheffield Eagles in the Arriva Trains Cup, where they will try to break their ATC duck.

Broadbent added: "We're aiming to make sure we've got as settled a team as possible by the start of the League season but we need to start seeing levels of consistency week in week out and as it is we're having to try different scenarios.

"It's an ongoing process. We try to stick with people to give them a chance to play themselves in but if someone is not producing what we need we will have to make changes."

One of those players to have played out of position is Darren Callaghan, who has come in for special praise following his work at centre. "He has been playing out there and has been doing us a good job," said Broadbent.

"Obviously he wants to be playing in what he thinks is his best position but we've got to put out the best 13 available on the day and if players double up in certain positions we might have to play people out of position to accommodate them."

Meanwhile, Broadbent has confirmed the Knights tried to lure former Super League star Rob Roberts to Hun-tington Stadium before he decided to head Down Under.

The ex-Halifax, Hull and Huddersfield loose-forward, who was sacked by the Giants for disciplinary reasons, has signed for New South Wales club Tumut, with the intention of stepping up to the National Rugby League.

Broadbent said: "We spoke to him a couple of times but his intention was al-ways to go to Australia."

Roberts, who had a brief spell with York Wasps in 2001, had previously played under Knights chief executive Steve Ferres.

"We had a chat with the idea of getting him here on a short-term agreement but he's gone now," said Broadbent, adding: "We're actively working behind the scenes to strengthen what we've already got. You've got to be always looking to improve the squad."

Updated: 10:30 Saturday, March 01, 2003