YORK rugby league legend Richie Hayes has urged his former York City Knights comrades to go all the way for the good of the sport in the city.

The 34-year-old former captain has returned to the Knights camp for the promotion play-off finale after being called on to join the backroom staff as water carrier for last Sunday's semi-final clash with Workington.

And following that triumphant Huntington Stadium hurrah, he will stay as an inspirational figure in the fold for this Sunday's LHF Healthplan National League One Qualifying Final against Halifax at Widnes' Halton Stadium.

He said: "I'm chuffed for York that they've reached the final. I know how hard all the people at the club have worked. I just hope they go all the way.

"The fans deserve it as well. Out of both (professional National League) divisions they have one of the best support, and I think it will do rugby league in York so much good to win and move up a division."

Hayes, who was forced to retire early in the season due to an ongoing shoulder injury, has effectively taken the match-day role of development officer Jason Ramshaw, who is now touring New Zealand with the British Police RL Squad.

He reckons the Knights have every chance of victory. "I think they've got nothing to fear if they play like they did on Sunday," he said.

"There were very few errors, they were committed in defence, moved up fast and took it to them."

He added: "I will be chuffed to bits if they win, and anything I can do to help I will."

Coach Richard Agar reckons Hayes' presence alone will provide a major fillip.

Agar touched upon the motivational qualities Hayes can bring in his exclusive column in the Evening Press on Tuesday.

Today he added: "He was part and parcel of what we were doing pre-season and early-season and we're trying to draw every ounce of emotion and inspiration out of people and nobody means more to the club and the players than Richie.

"If some players can draw positives from him being here we would like to have him about.

"I'm also pleased for him and want him to be part of it all as well."

Agar himself will watch the game from the stands as normal, with experienced coach John Kain on the other end of the radio link-up in the dugout.

Hayes will leave the tips and advice to the coaches but as water carrier he is in a position to help the players and offer inspiration during the match as well as beforehand.

Agar added: "He can be there to give encouragement to the boys and be a big part of it."

Updated: 10:58 Friday, October 08, 2004