UPCOMING stand-off Carl Hughes reckons York City Knights could go all the way in the play-offs.

And the former Wakefield Academy youngster, who is on amateur forms with the Knights after joining from Stanley Rangers ARLC, is hoping to earn himself a contract for next season in the process.

Paul Broadbent's men will hit next week's first knockout match on the back of three impressive National League Two wins and 20-year-old Hughes, who was one of the stars of last night's 32-16 defeat of Hunslet Hawks, is hoping the promotion push is just beginning.

"It's been a bit of a step up for me but I hope to be here next season and have a big season - in Division One," he told the Evening Press.

"I think we've got a very good chance of going up. We've got to keep our attitude right and make sure training keeps going well and if we can keep it up we've got a great chance, even with the injuries we've got.

"We've got a good squad and lads are stepping in and doing a good job."

Hughes himself was given his chance to step in earlier than expected due to injuries to Scott Rhodes and then Mark Cain but he has slotted in superbly, scoring three tries in his six games so far, the most recent one being in the second half last night to extend the Knights' lead.

"I've been loving it at York," he said. "The lads are spot on, the coaches are as well and everything is brilliant. I've learnt a lot since I've been here through (player-coach) Paul Broadbent and (player-assistant coach) Graeme Hallas, and I've enjoyed it."

As for last night's stormy encounter, he added: "It was very physical. They were up for it and we just had to put in the performance we had against Chorley last week and I felt we did that. We played our sets out and got the result."

Updated: 10:48 Saturday, September 06, 2003