Goal-kicking ace Jamie Benn is among three players who have quit York Wasps following last night's verdict on the new payment structure.

Full-back Benn and back row forward Andy Hill have rejected the terms, while centre-cum-second rower Darren Hughes has retired following a string of injuries.

The rest of the squad have all accepted the variation in contracts, based around players receiving a percentage of gate receipts, which virtually guarantees the club's survival.

However, there remains uncertainty about the future of star forward Michael Smith.

The New Zealander initially rejected the offer on the advice of his agent, but the club were today hoping to reach an agreement.

Coach Lee Crooks said: "I'm delighted the majority have re-signed.

"I've said all along that if we can keep the nucleus we've got a good chance of breaking away from this little blip we've had.

"I'm disappointed that those players have decided not to re-sign because they've got nothing to lose.

"If they signed and anyone else came in with a better offer we would be happy to release them.

"But they've all got their own reasons. The players I've got now are here for the right reasons. Now we have got to keep looking out to bring players into the squad."

One player who could be brought in is talented Heworth forward Jason Gatus, who has been approached by Wasps' skipper Alan Pallister.

He is keen to return to the club he left in 1997 and Crooks will speak to him over the next few days.

However he is unlikely to want to leave Heworth before their Challenge Cup tie at Batley Bulldogs on January 28.

Benn's departure is a major blow as the Wasps have no other recognised goal-kickers in the side, except new triallist Danny Waite.

It was a major coup when Benn re-joined York from Castleford at the start of the current season, though he has not quite reproduced the form which made him one of the Wasps' outstanding players in the 1999 campaign.

The 23-year-old broke the points and goals in a match record that season and his goal-kicking has remained a major asset.

He earned the Wasps their only point of the season so far when he converted a last second touchline kick against Hunslet on Boxing day to secure a 20-20 draw.

He was not prepared to accept the new terms but has not ruled out returning on a loan or triallist basis.

Hill was in his third season after joining the Wasps from Castleford. He has turned down the contract as he claims he was unable to survive on the money being offered.

He is looking for evening work to subsidise his landscaping business which means he would be unable to attend training.

Hughes, signed from Hunslet in the summer, has shown terrific form in patches but has struggled with injuries.

His wife recently gave birth and he has had difficulty getting to training. Crooks said: "It's made his mind up to take a break from the game."

One boost for the Wasps is a turnaround by loose forward Spencer Hargrave.

He yesterday told the Evening Press he would not be re-signing but has now back-tracked on his decision and is working hard to bring in new sponsorship.

Creditors and shareholders were today voting on whether to accept the Wasps proposal to enter into a Company Voluntary Arrangement.

It was expected to get the green light which will wipe out the Wasps' debts.

Updated: 11:36 Wednesday, January 10, 2001