Frustrated Paddy Handley has vowed to stick by York Wasps for the immediate future despite their "embarrassing" defeat by Sheffield Eagles at the weekend.

Rumours were circulating after Sunday's heavy loss that Handley was about to become the latest player to walk out on the Wasps.

That has been denied by the 26-year-old stand-off, although he admitted he had considered calling it quits.

"I was a bit upset after what happened against Sheffield," Handley said.

"It's so hard at the moment with work and the financial situation at the club.

"I wouldn't deny it has crossed my mind. If it had been any other club I'd have jacked it in ages ago but with it being my home town team I can't do that.

"You can't say no to Lee Crooks."

The former Leeds Rhinos star revealed he was taking stick on the field from former team-mates because of his decision to join York from Featherstone at the start of the season.

He said: "I don't think Sheffield were particularly good. They just made us look stupid, it was embarrassing really.

"Half those lads I played with at Leeds and they used to look up to me and respect me.

"On Sunday they were giving me cheap shots saying things like 'coming to York -good move that'. It's happening every week."

Handley's frustration has not been helped by his own performances.

Although he has been an ever-present this season, he admitted he was struggling to find his best form. He said: "I'm not playing very well, I've told Lee (Crooks) and he's just said to stick it out.

"I think only four or five of the current team would have been in the starting line-up at the start of the season.

"Most of the lads are doing their best but we're just not good enough.

"Hopefully we can get a win against Chorley and manage a respectable score against Leigh."

To add to Handley's concerns, he suffered a bad hamstring strain which forced him to make an early exit against Sheffield.

At this stage it is too early to say whether he will be fit to face unbeaten NFP leaders Leigh Centurions on Sunday but he said: "I've had a bit of trouble with my hamstring last year and it feels like exactly the same injury. I can't do my daily job so it's quite a bad pull."

He will have the injury assessed tonight by physio Pat Howdle, who is in for a busy time with several players suffering hand injuries and Danny Waite a groin strain.

Updated: 12:40 Tuesday, February 27, 2001