FEATHERSTONE'S Paul Hughes and York-based starlet Tom Hodgson are set to sign contracts with York City Knights - meaning popular hooker Jim Elston is probably on his way out.

New Knights player-coach Paul March has also signed BARLA international prop Scott Woodcock from his old amateur club Thornhill Trojans, as well as teenager John Oakes from Dewsbury Rams.

March had already secured the services of his brother David, the long-time Wakefield player, and he is set to be first-choice hooker at Huntington Stadium. But, as is the norm in Super League and increasingly throughout rugby league, he intends to run with two hookers per match and, following the surprise departure of Jamaine Wray to Keighley, he has acted quickly by agreeing deals with Hughes and New Earswick All Blacks ARLC youngster Hodgson to provide competition and cover at dummy-half.

Fans' favourite Elston had also been offered terms but, after his least productive season at Huntington Stadium, it seems he is not high up the club's priority list. Oldham remain favourites for his signature, and March insinuated he did not expect him to stay.

He said: "I'm going to go with two hookers and I might as well have three in the squad in case one is injured."

Hughes, 23, is the younger brother of Featherstone team-mate Carl Hughes, who had a good spell with York in 2003. He was offered terms by Rovers but, according to March, feels it is time to move on.

March said: "He can give us good direction. I've coached him before when I was at Wakefield and he was coming through the youth system. His direct running and his kicking game from dummy-half is good."

Hodgson played for the Knights academy last year and has continued to impress for the All Blacks. March said: "I've watched a few clips of him from last year and he looks like he went well.

"He's only a small kid but he hits well and he's full of enthusiasm and looks a good player. He's represented BARLA as well and will be wanting to make the grade."

As for Wray's departure, March added: "I'm disappointed to lose him.

"At this level sometimes mates stick together and because Neil Lowe's gone (to Keighley), he's gone.

"But as one door shuts two more open, and I would rather have people who want to play for York and for me."

Meanwhile, March expects Woodcock - the 23-year-old former England Students captain and BARLA Great Britain tourist, who was man of the match for the BARLA Lions in their Skanska Cup final win over GB Students at the weekend - to have a big impact at National League Two level.

He said: "He's gained all the honours you can in the amateur game and he's looking to step up. I'm confident he can do that."

Woodcock played for Doncaster's academy and had a spell with Dewsbury Rams in 2005. March added: "I know what he can do. He's a big lad and will take some stopping."

Oakes, a 19-year-old centre, follows March's assistant-coach, James Ratcliffe, the former Dewsbury academy boss, and back-rower Rob Kelly in making the switch from Ram Stadium.

March said: "He's looking for a new challenge. I'm willing to give him that chance and hopefully he will repay me by taking it with both hands."