YORK Wasps' reigning Evening Press player of the year, Andy Hutchinson, tops a trio of new signings at Huntington Stadium.

The RL Premiership outfit have brought the former trialist in on a one-year deal, just reward for his efforts last season.

They have also snapped up Hull FC prospect Charles Hoggard, who played twice for Wasps last season before injury cut short his trial spell, and have handed Pocklington RU youngster Carl Stannard a two-month trial.

Furthermore, Wasps cannot be ruled out in the race to snap up Leeds Rhinos' starlet Jonny Liddell, who is set to return to amateurs York Acorn after being released by the Super League giants.

Hutchinson, a 27-year-old prop, was probably the find of last term after joining the club on trial from amateurs Sutton Trust.

He has been back playing for the Hull outfit in the White Rose League but the Evening Press reported in August that the club were hoping to secure his signature.

"Everything has been agreed and I'm happy to be coming back," he said.

"With everything that has happened during the close season it should be great, much better than last season."

Hutchinson - a former BARLA Great Britain international - admitted he knew little of the new coach, Leo Epifania, but was keen to work with him.

"All I know is what has been written in the Evening Press and on the website (www.thisisyork.co.uk)," he said. "But that could be good as he will be starting from afresh.

"For me, York Wasps are a great club and I can't wait to get back."

Scarborough-based prop Hoggard, 20, played for York Academy two years ago before joining Hull FC in 2000 where he featured in their Academy and Alliance teams.

Chief executive Ann Garvey said: "There is every chance that he can play for the first team but in addition we're looking to have a strong Academy side. He's a big future prospect."

Stannard, 22, plays flanker for Pock RU. Garvey said: "He asked if he could come training and in fairness he's trained very well. We decided to take him on trial and let Leo (Epifania) have a look."

Meanwhile, hot prospect Liddell has told the Evening Press he too may sign for Wasps.

The 19-year-old was hoping to be back playing for his old club Acorn this weekend but admitted he was looking to stay in the professional ranks.

The South Bank teenager is not going to be offered a new contract with Leeds. Acorn were hopeful of securing his release in time for Saturday's table-top National Conference League division two clash at Milford. But how long he will stay at Thanet Road is uncertain.

"I've spoken to a couple of (RL Premiership) clubs, but I'm still undecided," he said.

"I've trained with Keighley and Hunslet, and I might go training with Wasps next week. I'd like to see where I enjoy it most.

"In the meantime I'm going to go back to Acorn. I might only play a few matches but I asked if I could turn out for them and they said fine. They've been good to me."

The signing of Liddell would boost Acorn's half-back ranks following Darren Callaghan's switch to Premiership club Sheffield.

Acorn spokesman Paul Lumby said: "He wants to go back playing professionally but is keen to put something back to the club he came from.

"He's an exceptionally gifted player and hopefully he will be signed up before Saturday. Even though Danny Liddell (Jonny's brother) and Johnny Waldron have done well at half-back, he will help cover the loss of Daz Callaghan."

Updated: 12:06 Thursday, November 01, 2001