NEW York Wasps coach Leo Epifania may bring over some Aussie steel to bolster the playing ranks at Huntington Stadium.

The 36-year-old Sydneyite is due in England on Tuesday after which he will get his first look at the squad at his disposal.

And in an exclusive interview with the Evening Press he said there was a possibility he may ask some more countrymen to join him at Huntington Stadium in addition to Europe-based Australians Josh Hussay and Chris St Clair, who are expected to sign deals this week.

"There are a couple of players here in Australia that we're talking to but that's not finalised at the moment," said the former Western Suburbs and Illawara full-back.

"It's a matter of what players we have there and whether positions are filled."

The club have so far officially signed up 17 professionals for this season, which starts in a month, but there is no recognised full-back among them, nor scrum-half other than Academy youngster Ritchie Hunter.

"I've been speaking regularly to Ann Garvey (Wasps' chief executive) about the players we're bringing in and the way we're heading," said Epifania.

"I know what positions we need to fill and what sort of player I want for those positions, and I know of some of the players that Wasps are talking to.

"But it's obviously hard for me at the moment because I don't really know the players' capabilities yet.

"When I arrive we're going to sit down and really put our heads together and that should make it easier to see what we've got and what we need. Then I'll be able to decide whether to bring players from over here."

The former Guildford assistant coach added: "I'm definitely looking forward to it. I know I haven't got a long time before the season starts but every way you look at it it's a dead-set challenge, and there's nothing better than that.

"It brings out the character in a person and it will bring out the character in the players to see how quickly we can all respond and commit to each other as a team.

"Some people say it takes months even years of being together, so it's a challenge for us to do it quicker."

Epifania is due to arrive in England on the same day as the touring Kangaroos, who are set to play three Ashes Tests against Great Britain starting next weekend.

Updated: 10:21 Saturday, November 03, 2001