SHEFFIELD Eagles half-back cum hooker Darren Callaghan could be set for a return to Huntington Stadium.

The former York Wasps star has confirmed to the Evening Press that he has been in talks with the new York City Knights club about coming back to his home-town outfit.

Callaghan, a former York Acorn youngster, is yet to make a final decision on his future having been offered a new deal by the Eagles, but he has said he would relish playing in front of his "home" crowd again if he was to return.

"Playing in your home city does make a difference," he said.

"When I was there last time I was enjoying it week in, week out. Having people from your own town watching you every week does make it a bit special."

The 26-year-old made his York debut as a teenager in 1996, before becoming a regular in 1999, playing all 31 games that season and scoring 11 tries, one goal and two drop goals.

He played 23 times the following year, scoring four tries, nine goals and three drop goals, before moving for short spells with Gateshead and Hull KR in 2001. He played 31 times, ten as substitute, for Sheffield this season, scoring nine tries and one goal.

Should he return to York, the talented Callaghan could re-form a half-back partnership with old pal Mark Cain, who has already signed from Hull KR.

He added: "I've been in talks with Steve Ferres (Knights chief executive) and Roger Dixon (chairman) and I am interested.

"It's a new set-up now and from what Steve Ferres said it's looking good.

"But I've also spoken to Mark Aston (Eagles player-coach) and I'm weighing my options up at the moment."

Cain, meanwhile, has underlined the reasons why he did not want to miss the chance of again playing for his local club.

"I want to be where my friends are and play rugby with a smile on my face for my home-town club," he said, having signed for his third spell at Huntington Stadium.

"There's a new set-up now and signing for the Knights was an opportunity I did not want to pass up. I think the club are speaking to a few York lads, who are not just local but also very good, and hopefully they can get these names on board.

"Steve Ferres does not want to just play the game; he's a winner and wants to make the Knights a winning team."

Updated: 11:28 Saturday, October 19, 2002