ALEX Godfrey has had a "huge weight lifted off his shoulders" after police brought no charges against the winger following a city centre incident earlier this month.

The York City Knights star had been arrested in connection with allegations of wounding, following a night out in which he and his twin brother were celebrating their 24th birthday.

Godfrey was bailed to return to a York police station, but on his return officers told him he was free to go.

"I went to the police station and it was all cleared," he told the Evening Press. "The police said that due to the statements they'd taken it was not going to go any further and that's the end of that.

"It was a bit of a lift before Christmas. I know the rugby club weren't impressed by the episode but I feel it's a huge weight off my shoulders."

Local boy Godfrey, who is also a student at York College, can now put all his energies into getting fit for the Knights' first-ever competitive match, an Arriva Trains National Cup tie at home to his former club Hull KR on Sunday, January 19.

The 24-year-old flyer broke a thumb in the city centre incident and underwent hospital surgery. He will have the cast removed on December 30, after which he will have a better idea about how long he will be out of action.

"I don't know what the movement in the thumb is like because of the pot and to be honest I don't know how long these injuries usually take to clear up. But I would like to think it should be okay for the 19th.

"I am still able to train at the moment and can do a bit of ball work and run angles in training, that kind of thing, but obviously I need to get fully fit."

Former York Wasps and Gateshead Thunder centre Gareth Lloyd, a product of York Acorn amateurs, has been training with the Knights with a view to securing a deal.

Loan ranger Damien Kennedy met his new team-mates after the session at Huntington Stadium last night.

The 19-year-old English-born Aussie could play for Leeds in festive friendlies before officially joining up with the Knights on January 6 in a two-month loan deal which might be extended. He has not yet trained with the Knights as he has continued to train full-time with Leeds Rhinos.

Updated: 11:27 Tuesday, December 24, 2002