KIWI forward Michael Smith was seething yesterday after being left out of the York Wasps team to face Hull KR.

Smith was not happy with coach Garry Atkins' decision not to include him in the 17 because he turned up just too late before the game to be considered.

Smith claimed he had been stuck in traffic on the way from Hull where he is currently living.

But Atkins insisted it was not fair on other players to make allowances for individuals.

"He was late. The rest of the squad was here ready and waiting. When I picked the team Michael wasn't here.

"I would have loved him to be in the side but he wasn't. There was a lot of heated discussions before the game but I pick the side at quarter to two and he wasn't here."

Atkins also spoke of the sad departure of stand-off Mark Cain to Dewsbury 48 hours before the game.

However, he did not believe that it had played a part in the defeat.

"You're always going to miss someone of Mark's quality but that wasn't the difference between us winning and losing.

"If he had been there I'm sure he would have given 100 per cent but he wasn't.

"He's gone to progress at Dewsbury and we wish him all the best. But hopefully he won't have a good game in two weeks time when we play them!"