YORK has the potential to follow Sheffield's example and build a rugby league club capable of getting into Super League and one day winning the Challenge Cup.

That is the opinion of Wakefield Trinity skipper Paul Broadbent, who is to be installed as player-boss of the new York RL club should it be admitted to the Rugby Football League next season.

And he should know, having played a major on-field part in Sheffield Eagles' rise from being founded in the mid-1980s to winning the old Division Two Premiership in 1989, the title in 1992 and lifting the Challenge Cup in 1998.

Indeed, Broadbent, who had signed for Eagles as a youngster, was team skipper the day they shocked the all-conquering Wigan at Wembley in one of sport's greatest-ever upsets.

His career has since taken him around Super League with spells at Gateshead, Hull and now Wakefield, winning eight Great Britain caps in the process. And he is now hoping to open another chapter at Huntington Stadium next season.

"I think York historically has been involved in rugby league for a long time," he told the Evening Press.

"People talk about catchment areas for Super League and York is a prime one, with the size of the city and the people who live there and in the surrounding areas.

"It has a big catchment area and it has a wealth of players and potential players. It just needs developing and nurturing properly.

"The aim has got to be to go forward within the club. It has to be a gradual thing - you can't run before you can walk otherwise you'll trip up.

"But I don't see why we can't go on and be a force in the future, even in Super League."

Broadbent will link up again with Steve Ferres, the chief executive in waiting of the new York club, who was also involved in the rise of Sheffield Eagles.

"I've been speaking to Steve quite regularly, having talked to him about York as soon as he announced he was getting involved," he said.

"I've listened to what he's had to say and the people there are all really optimistic and positive and the vibes feel good.

"I look at what it was like at Sheffield, which also started from scratch, and they developed into a club which could win Super League matches and lift the Challenge Cup. We were in there on merit.

"I think if we can build the club and get the right sort of people involved both on and off the pitch then we've every chance of progressing as well."

Broadbent was set to attend tonight's public meeting at Huntington Stadium (7pm start), which all fans are urged to attend to welcome the new man. Supporters will also get an update of the financial situation of the new club and a low-down on developments.

Broadbent added: "I really hope the fans get on board and that we can generate a happy atmosphere and create a lot of positivity around the place.

"If people pay their money, they've got to enjoy the sport and enjoy the atmosphere. And that is what we will be working to achieve."

Updated: 11:33 Wednesday, August 28, 2002