A sure-footed start to the season was today placed at the forefront of York Rugby League Club's second division strategy.

The Wasps open their campaign against Bramley at Huntington Stadium tonight (7.30pm) and coach Dean Robinson confidently backed his squad to challenge for a coveted first division berth.

But it is imperative that the Wasps improve on last season's stuttering start of three consecutive defeats - a necessity not lost on the coach.

Said Robinson: "We must get off to a better start than last year or the season will be over by May. Everybody will be wanting to get off to a good start. The players know what they have to do. They have been waiting for this for four months.

"Our priorities are to make sure the defence is solid and our attacking plays are well drilled. That is what the first game of the season is all about.

"It is no good going out there thinking what we should and should not do. You have got to make it happen. We have not had much of a problem doing that at home."

Injuries and Craig Booth's suspension have reduced the Wasps' squad to just 19 available players, with Booth joined on the sidelines by Geoff Woodward, Andy Preston, Steve Hill, Mick Hagan and Rich Harrison.

The probable starting line up features just two survivors - Chris Hopcutt and Alan Pallister - from the opening game of 1997, a 25-8 defeat at Bramley. Bramley are expected to field nine players with a Leeds Rhinos link, including their latest loan signings Phil Cantillon, Marvin Golden and Gavin Brown.

Among Bramley's contingent of former Rhinos Alliance and Academy players is ex-New Earswick All Blacks junior Dan Potter, who played with York's Alex Godfrey at White Rose Avenue. The Wasps coach refused to condone recent criticism directed at Bramley in some second division quarters over their relationship with their Headingley landlords.

"They are not breaking the rules and regulations. As far as I am concerned it is Bramley we are playing," said Robinson.

"I am not making it part of my team talk and game plan. I have no problem with the Bramley line-up. They are there to be beaten."

The Wasps coach added that talk of the Villagers suffering from inexperience smacked of propaganda put out by coach Paul Fletcher.

"They have got a very talented, skilled team who are used to training with Leeds and who are good pros," said the coach.

"I think Fletch is trying to play himself as the underdog and good luck to him. But he has got some quality players."

Robinson believes his side will have to be quick to close down Bramley half-backs Dave Gibbons and Brown.

"The half-backs are strong and they have pace in the backs. It depends how well they have gelled. It is down to their pack to give them room to work in," he said.

"We must dictate the advantage line and cut down their space and decision making time. Andy Precious brings a kicking ability to his game and it is an attribute we have to use to our advantage."

The next Wasps Academy training session will be held at Huntington Stadium on Tuesday at 7pm.

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