Coach Dean Robinson has scaled the first hurdle in swelling the ranks of promoted York Rugby League Club.

The senior trio of Iefata Sini, Allan Pallister and Steve Hill have all been signed on new contracts for the 1999 season which starts in just over two months' time.

And that has thrilled the coach, who claims the first phase of his squad-strengthening programme has now been completed.

Sini's signature completes the overseas contingent at the club alongside John Strange and new recruit Peter Edwards, the former New Zealand international.

Hooker Pallister has also agreed a new one-year deal, while prop forward Hill, who came from Castleford Tigers last season, has inked a two-year deal.

Enthused the coach: "Hill was part of the understanding we had with Castleford, who have released him and whom we have signed to the club for the next two years to be a fully-fledged York RL player."

Robinson added he was now poised to embark on the next phase of his programme for the new campaign, enlisting another pack of players from outside to take the eventual strength of squad to around 24-strong.

"We now have 17 contracted players with the club, which completes phase one of my schedule, which was always going to sign those players who did such a loyal and great job for us last season. Now's the time to take on board a further seven or so players to strengthen the squad for the First Division campaign."

He said he hoped to have at least three more players in the Wasps' camp before the club enters the Silk Cut Challenge Cup on January 30.

Talks are currently being held to finalise friendlies on January 3 and 17, either side of the already arranged clash away at Hunslet on January 10. Due to work being carried out on the playing-surface at the Huntington Stadium Robinson said that all three friendlies may be on opponents' turf.

"If it means we have to play away from home to make sure the ground is in excellent fettle then it does not worry me," he said.

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