YOUNG forward Joe Helme could be back in the York City Knights fold around April time.

The prop impressed during his short time with the club at the end of the 2003 but was unable to turn out last year because of his work and training commitments with the fire service.

The highly-rated forward is in a probationary period with the brigade during which he can not play professional rugby league - but that probation is set to end after Easter.

He has been training with the Knights once a week while playing for amateur side Castleford Lock Lane.

The Press understands the Knights have neither ruled out a return for winger Rob Kama, though it appears unlikely.

The Fijian shone in his first year with the club but was only a bit-part player last season and returned to York RUFC, where he has been scoring tries on a regular basis. He has not trained under Cook but remains contracted to the Knights for 2005.

The Knights have 23 players in the 2005 squad, not including Helme, Kama or Andrews, while Chris Spurr's broken ankle may end his season.

They remain short on wingers, with only Peter Fox and Matt Blaymire as recognised widemen.

The Knights squad

Props: David Bates, Craig Forsyth, Yusuf Sozi, Adam Sullivan

Hookers: Jim Elston, Lee Jackson, Neil Thorman

Back-rows: Craig McDowell, Lee Paterson, Mick Ramsden, John Smith

Back-rows/centres: Darren Callaghan, Mark Cain, Ian Kirke

Half-backs: Chris Levy, Scott Rhodes, Paul Thorman

Centres: Dan Potter, Chris Spurr

Winger: Peter Fox

Winger/full-back: Matt Blaymire

Full-back/utility: Chris Ross, Jon Liddell

Updated: 08:57 Saturday, December 18, 2004