GARETH Dobson will resume his York Wasps career in the same position he finished it last season - at scrum-half.

Dobson, who was on loan at Huntington Stadium last term from Castleford Tigers, was given his first taste of the half-back role during Garry Atkins reign as caretaker coach.

It was the position he occupied until he was recalled by the Tigers towards the end of the campaign.

Now having rejoined York on a more permanent basis, Dobson will kick-off the new season against Doncaster Dragons tomorrow in the number seven shirt.

Normally a hooker, Dobson was switched to scrum-half last season to accommodate both himself and fellow hooker Alan Pallister in the team.

This time he is deputising for new signing Gareth Stephens, who remains sidelined with a hamstring strain. There is also a doubt over Gareth Oulton, signed from amateurs Lock Lane as cover for Stephens, with an arm injury sustained in the friendly against Gateshead.

That leaves Dobson as the third option and, though it is not his preferred position, coach Lee Crooks insists he will rise to the challenge.

"He is a professional and is happy to play anywhere he is required," said Crooks. "We need a bit of experience at scrum-half and Gareth has played there before.

"When he moved to that position during the trial matches we had a bit more stability."

The only other injury worry is Andy Hill, who missed the Gateshead game with a hamstring strain, but he is expected to be fit.

That means full York debuts for three players - Paul Butterfield on the wing, Darren Hughes in the centre and Paddy Handley at stand-off.

Dragons coach St John Ellis has a lengthy injury list but is still confident of a big win. He said: "We beat them 36-1 in our first match last season and I am looking for a repeat performance."

Of most interest to York fans will be the possible absence of New Zealander Peter Edwards, a Huntington Stadium favourite during the 1999 season. He required five stitches after cutting in his hand in the pre-season defeat by Hunslet last week.

Forward Jamie Fielden, signed from Huddersfield Giants, could be out with a broken hand while there is a doubt over ex-Featherstone forward Brad Hepi, who has a shoulder problem.

York Wasps (probable): Benn, Butterfield, Hughes, Lloyd, McKenzie, Handley, Dobson, Forsyth, Pallister, Precious, Smith, Hill, Hargrave. Subs (from): Moore, Allen, Austerfield, Mulholland, Rumford, Oulton.

Doncaster Dragons: Not finalised

Referee: Ron Laughton (Barnsley)

Kick-off: 3pm