NEW York City Knights signing Jonathan Firth is raring to get into the groove at Huntington Stadium, writes Peter Martini.

As revealed by the Evening Press yesterday, the Aussie - who joins scrum-half Trevor Krause in signing for the club from Down Under - plays at either stand-off or in the back row and has been starring in Sydney's Metropolitan Cup, one level below Australia's top flight.

Although he admits to not knowing a great deal about the National League, he is backing himself to succeed, and even get into Super League. Indeed, the Press believes Firth came to England with a view to signing for a Super League club before deciding to join Paul Broadbent's men.

"I want to play some good footy for York and hopefully get a winning team going and then see what happens," said the 22-year-old, who has a British passport so does not count as an overseas player.

"I don't know much about the standard (of NL) but my coaches have said it's around the Metro Cup level so I'll have to see."

Firth has played in the Kellyville Bushrangers first team for three years, helping them to the Metro Cup semi-final in his first season and fifth place in the last two campaigns. Kellyville are the feeder club for National Rugby League big-guns Paramatta Eels, and Firth has previously made the Eels' train-on squad and trial games.

As for coming to England, he added: "Everything was pointing to come over here so I thought I'd give it a good shot."

He trained at Huntington Stadium last night, but will not be involved in Sunday's Challenge Cup tie at home to Doncaster (KO 3pm) as he did not sign in time - plus he only landed in England on Wednesday.

Knights chief executive Steve Ferres said Firth came highly recommended. "He's got so much enthusiasm and passion for the game that I'm really looking forward to seeing him play," he said. "He's backing himself to secure a long-term future with the club."

Membership passes and season tickets are invalid for Sunday's game as all Challenge Cup ties are shared gates. Admission prices are £10 seats, £8 standing, £5 concessions (OAPs and U16s).

Updated: 11:33 Friday, February 07, 2003