DEPARTED York Wasps full-back Ben Sorbello today revealed he is lining up a quick return to England - and he might even bring some stars from Down Under with him.

The Aussie flew home to Sydney on Monday following the closure not only of the Wasps but also of the World Rugby League offices in York, where he had been employed as part of the deal that brought him to Huntington Stadium.

However, he has told the Evening Press there is now a chance he, along with former Wasps trialist Carl Stannard, could sign for Hull Rugby Union Club to start in September - and he would then be keen to resume playing for the Wasps next season, if the chance arose.

Furthermore, he said if he was to return to a resurrected Wasps club he would approach some Aussie-based talent to come with him and bolster the squad.

His pledge may temper the news that emerging second row Ian Kirke has joined the exodus out of Huntington Stadium. The 6ft 7in star has signed for Dewsbury Rams, following Jamie Benn and Craig Moore to Ram Stadium.

Caretaker coach Stewart Horton has therefore been left with another hole to fill should the Wasps' bid to be readmitted to the Rugby Football League when the Northern Ford Premiership resumes in June be successful.

However, the fans' body which is trying to resurrect the club already has one eye on next season, and the possible return of Sorbello could be a boost.

The 32-year-old told the Evening Press last week he would be eager to return, and the chances of that happening have increased now a move to Hull RU is on the cards.

Hull coach Gary Pearce - a former Wasps player - said he was waiting to watch videos of Sorbello in action before deciding whether to offer him a deal.

Pearce added that Stannard, known by the former Wales RL star from his days at Pocklington RU, could also move to the Humberside club.

If Sorbello was to set up base in England he could then look for employment in York for the following summer RL season.

"I'm hoping York get the go-ahead so I can come back next season if they want me," he said.

"There's a job for me in Australia and an opportunity to play some football. I'm happy with that and I'm excited about being back home. But I would love to be able to return to York next year and maybe get a job there."

He said one of the players he might approach was 21-year-old Kiwi starlet Clinton Larkin, whose brother John played for Western Suburbs in the NRL.

"Clinton has played high-level rugby union in New Zealand and I might try to get him over here as well, first with Hull RU and then with the Wasps," said Sorbello.

"I will be staying in touch with (Wasps' working party member) Gary Hall."

peter.martini@ycp.co.uk

Updated: 11:52 Wednesday, April 24, 2002