Exodus

OVER AND OUT: Peter Edwards shows the try-scoring style that York Wasps will miss

The former Salford City Reds duo rejected terms offered by the Wasps on Tuesday night and instead put pen to paper on one-year deals with last season's Northern Ford Premiership wooden spoonists.

Neither player wanted to leave Huntington Stadium but said they simply could not survive on the wages York were offering.

Former New Zealand international Edwards said: "I waited around for as long as I could but it's not good enough. They offered me a package deal but I wouldn't have been able to live off it.

"I've really enjoyed my season at York, they're a good bunch of guys. We had a good team and I think we would have gone even better next season - that's why I waited so long. I did want to stay at York. It's a shame that a lot of the boys will probably leave now."

Edwards will not be cutting his ties with York completely though - he will remain in the Heslington home where he lives with his wife and three children.

Western Samoan Sini also intends to remain in York and the two will commute together to Doncaster.

Sini, the Wasps joint leading try-scorer last season with 14, said: "I feel sorry for the boys. We had a good team spirit and a good side last year but now it seems everybody's going their own way. I'm really disappointed about it."

Coach Dean Robinson, a big admirer of both players, had wanted Edwards to captain the side next season as he did so successfully towards the end of the last campaign.

But he believed their departures were inevitable. He said: "I'm very disappointed to lose both Peter and Fata who have been outstanding on the field and model professionals off it.

"I know they were great favourites with the supporters and that Fata had been taken into their hearts when he joined us two seasons ago.

"However it was out of my hands to try and keep them at York. I would like to thank them both for what they have done for me as coach and also for the club in general. It's a sad day that we've lost the services of both of them."

The departures could be the first of many after chief executive Ann Garvey revealed they had to cut wages in order to secure the financial stability of the club.

But Edwards pleaded with the fans to stick with the team, whoever is turning out in York colours next season. "I hope they keep with the side. There is not much money around and the board will do what they can. Hopefully things will work out alright."

Tough-tackling Edwards, 30, and Sini, 32, were two of York's shining lights last season with Sini winning the Evening Press Player of the Year award and Edwards finishing third.

But the vast reduction in contracts has prompted both to team up with Doncaster coach and former York player St John Ellis who has ambitious plans for the Belle Vue club.

Edwards has been signed as a hooker - the position he occupied so successfully at Salford - while Sini is likely to continue terrorising defences on the wing.

They may be joined by York team-mates Lea Tichener and Paul Darley who are also in negotiations with the Dragons.

Darley has spoken to Doncaster on three occasions and has also been approached by two other NFP clubs who he declined to name.

He is awaiting any firm offers before making a decision but said he would not be accepting York's terms.

"It's just not reasonable. I travel from Leeds and I'd probably spend what they have offered just on travelling," he said.

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