A light has finally emerged at the end of the tunnel after York Wasps today completed the signing of former Super League star Rob Roberts.

'Two Bobs' was rated as one of the most promising talents in rugby league during spells at Halifax Blue Sox and Hull FC.

But the loose forward's career has gone off the boil in the last couple of years and, following a brief return to his former club Hunslet Hawks, he has been out of the game.

On the other side of the coin, the Wasps have been dealt a double blow with the departures of Gareth Dobson and Craig Forsyth, who are both heading south.

Hooker Dobson has signed for Sheffield Eagles while prop forward Forsyth is on his way to Doncaster Dragons.

The loss of the pair has hindered the Wasps' attempts to rebuild a competitive squad but has been tempered by the arrival of Roberts.

Chairman John Stabler said: "He has signed on a month-to-month basis, hopefully he'll be with us until the end of the season. He wants to get himself match fit and revive his rugby career which has gone off the rails.

"We want to put a team back on the park which York can be proud of and hopefully this will be the catalyst for other players to sign."

The Wasps new director of football Tony Coleman has been the driving force in bringing Roberts to Huntington Stadium.

It follows the board's decision to grant match payments to in-coming professionals.

Stabler confirmed they were in talks with several other players and hopes to have further good news ahead of the Easter weekend's 'double-header.'

Craig Moore and Shaun Austerfield are both rumoured to be on their way back to York while Leeds Rhinos' Challenge Cup final Leroy Rivett is another name which has been mentioned.

Stabler also revealed that the RFL's executive director of rugby, Greg McCallum, had sent a plea to Super League clubs asking for help on York's behalf.

As a result Halifax Blue Sox contacted Stabler and they could have a couple of players available.

Finding quick replacements for Dobson and Forsyth is imperative for Crooks as the Wasps face two games in the space of four days - a Good Friday trip to Hunslet Hawks and an Easter Monday clash with Batley Bulldogs.

The only consolation is that Alan Pallister returned last week after a seven-match ban so can fill the hooking role.

However, the loss of the versatile Dobson will leave a huge hole in the Wasps squad. The former Castleford Tiger had been one of the most consistent players in a traumatic season and his decision to stick by the club through all their recent troubles had been a major boost.

He revelled in the captain's role which he took over during Pallister's absence. But he admitted several times he was frustrated by the events of this season and had been close to quitting on numerous occasions.

Meanwhile, Super league club Wakefield Trinity Wildcats have confirmed their interest in Dewsbury Rams York-based centre Dan Potter.

The one-time Heworth junior was watched by Wakefield in Dewsbury's home clash with Widnes on Saturday and coach John Harbin said: "We have been watching him, but there is no deal imminent.

"If anything does take place it will be done above board between the two clubs."

Updated: 10:45 Wednesday, April 11, 2001