Andy Precious has given York Wasps a timely boost by making himself available for the crucial Easter period.

EASTER BONUS: Andy Precious, shown aboveplaying against Barmley and being tackled as Gary Schofield looks on, will be available for York Wasps over Easter.

Precious, who has been absent through work commitments since January, will return for Sunday's home clash with Northern Ford Premiership title contenders Leigh Centurions.

His comeback couldn't have come at a better time as fellow forward Rich Hayes has just been ruled out for a month with a hamstring strain.

Precious, 29, played against Widnes last month when he dashed back from where he was working in Newcastle on the morning of the game because of an injury crisis.

But that is his only appearance since scoring the last-gasp match-winning field goal against Sheffield Eagles on January 9.

Precious's plans after Easter are not yet finalised but he will be available for at least the next three matches.

Coach Garry Atkins has already pencilled him into the starting line-up against Leigh, possibly at loose forward.

The Wasps should be able to call on the services of Michael Smith in the next two or three weeks after the New Zealander agreed terms until the end of the season, as reported in later editions of yesterday's Evening Press.

The only hold-up now is his work permit which the Wasps are hopeful will go through in the next couple of weeks.

However, if the work permit does not come through quickly the move may fall through.

"If it doesn't come by May there would be no point in him coming because it wouldn't be worth it but he is anxious to come and is waiting to get to get on a plane. He has got all the times and dates of the flights," said chief executive Garvey.

Although York are unlikely to be able to afford the services of the 23-year-old next season, Garvey is more than happy to have Smith on board in the short term.

"I think one of the reasons he doesn't mind dropping down is because he wants to keep his face in the shop window so people know he is still around as it will give an advantage of getting back into Super League next season," she said.

"If that's the case we are quite prepared to have his experience for the next couple of months. It will be good for our younger players to play alongside him and he may pass on an extra bit of experience to them."

Smith is currently at home in New Zealand following his disappointing spell at Hull last season.

He never lived up to his reputation at the Boulevard but has enough potential to get another chance in Super League.

If that doesn't materialise Garvey said they would not rule out retaining him next season. "I'm not saying we wouldn't even consider him next year but it would depend what terms he would be talking.

"We've negotiated a price that this club can afford and only what we can afford this season. I'm quite surprised he accepted it which is why I think he just wants to get himself back playing."

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