Heworth have secured a major boost in their efforts to climb the ladder by recruiting former York City Knights and Doncaster Dragons player Aaron Wood.

The Aussie played for the Knights in 2004 and, despite moving to Division One club Donny this season, has remained in the Minster city and, following the end of the National League regular season, has now registered for the Villagers, training for the first time with his new team-mates this week.

He is likely to make his debut at Elmpark Way on Saturday as Heworth seek their first points of the National Conference division two campaign against Featherstone Lions.

Joint-coach Jimmy Rothwell said: "He's been different class in training. He's a professional and has played at a good level in Australia and over here. It's an excellent signing for us."

Wood (pictured right with the ball) is likely to play in his preferred role at half-back and his inclusion could be the only change to the side defeated 42-4 at Saddleworth last week, while Simon Harrison will hopefully be fit after hamstring trouble.

Rothwell added: "It was 8-4 at half-time (last week) and we were holding our own and I thought we had a good chance but for some unknown reason we tailed off. Saddleworth had a couple of ex-pros and they made a big difference in the second half, especially Emerson Jackman, but hopefully we can learn from that."

This weekend's opponents are on a bit of a slide. Kev Fellows, the former Heworth assistant-boss and Selby Warriors coach, took the reins last season after quitting Elmpark Way but could not prevent their relegation - and Rothwell was hoping his side could take advantage.

He added: "I don't think we're playing all that bad. The lads who are turning up are trying their best and we can't fault them for that but it's just not gelling. But we're trying to remain positive."

Heworth 'A', whose unbeaten start to Yorkshire League division three ended in controversial fashion against joint-leaders Stanley 'A' last week, will look to bounce back at Sharlston 'A'.

Updated: 10:37 Thursday, September 29, 2005