The future of York Wasps trialist Carl Paterson could be decided this week.

DECISION TIME: Trialist Carl Paterson

With his month-long trial period now up, the 20-year-old was back playing rugby union with Selby at the weekend.

However, his father and Wasps assistant coach John Paterson insisted no decision had yet been made by York as to his future role with the club.

Utility back Paterson made an impressive full debut on the wing against Sheffield Eagles a month ago but since then has had little opportunity to shine.

He followed that up with an average performance against Hunslet and, with the return of the first choice backs from illness and injury, he has been unable to command a place in the team.

And that is the problem which the Wasps now have to consider, as John Paterson pointed out: "You can't bring players on here because there is no Alliance team.

"He got 21 points out of 26 for Selby on Saturday but I don't know if that will have any bearing whatsoever."

If he is not expected to figure in the first 17 then York are unlikely to offer him a contract just to sit on the sidelines. However he has shown enough potential to suggest he could play a bigger part in the future so it seems equally unlikely that they will drop interest altogether.

They may opt to monitor his progress at Selby and call him back at a later date. Alternatively they could sign him and loan him to Castleford Under-21s where he played last season.

Paterson senior will discuss the situation with coach Dean Robinson and the board this week before a decision is made.

Wasps' will face a Batley side stripped of two players in the Northern Ford Premiership at Huntington Stadium on Sunday.

Batley scrum-half Gary Barnett has lost his appeal against a six-match ban handed out for a high tackle that broke the jaw of an opponent.

Barnett has been joined on the sidelines by team-mate Graham Middleton, who was today suspended for four matches and fined £120 for head-butting and punching during his side's NFP defeat by Hunslet.

New London coach John Monie watched his side produce an encouraging performance on their first outing for more than four months as they drew 16-16 at Halifax - a late try by centre Martin Pearson denied Broncos victory.

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