JIMMY Elston has declared he will have no split loyalties tonight when York City Knights go up against his other employers.

The 26-year-old has a full-time job at Wakefield Trinity working in the commercial and community development department, and he admitted to the Evening Press he could even have become a Wildcats player after talks about a possible contract began.

But he chose not to chase that opportunity and as a player is 100 per cent Knighted.

"Sometimes it's funny for people to think I work at Wakefield and play for York, but everybody has a job and this is mine," he said. "Once I set off for York, though, I'm York through and through."

The possible playing contract at Belle Vue came about this time last year when he was approached by the then head coach Shane McNally.

"There are rumours all the time," said Elston. "I played for Wakefield when I was younger and every time I'm in a bit of good form people try to link me back. At one stage I had minor discussions with the coach (McNally) about coming back - he said he thought I could do a job for them - but that's as far as it went.

"There were a lot of things to consider from my point of view and a big one was the fact I'm happy at York. That was one of the main reasons I didn't follow it up. I was enjoying things work-wise and playing-wise.

"The set-up at York is good and I want to be a part of what York are doing. I'm coming to my third season here, I'm settled and I want to be taking them forward and be part of the big things that hopefully will happen here."

Elston admitted there has been a "bit of banter" this week with Wildcats boss Tony Smith and several players - big new signing Monty Betham among them.

"Tony Smith keeps asking if I'm ready yet, and Monty just asked me if I had a gum shield, though I don't know if he meant for me or for him," he joked.

Elston will be going directly up against Betham tonight, both playing at hooker. "It's great for York that a player like him from the NRL will be making his debut over here at Huntington Stadium," he added.

As for pre-season with the Knights, Elston said: "We're all really focused towards the new season and we know it will be tough.

"Pre-season has gone really well. I've been looking to get fitter. I've been doing a bit of fitness work on my own and hopefully I will be fitter than before and bring new facets into the game.

"There are quite a few new players and we're still finding out about each other."

Tonight's squads

Pre-season friendly

York City Knights v Wakefield Trinity Wildcats

Knights (probable): Lingard, Clarke, Spurr, Law, Farrell, Rhodes, Hasty, Bovill, Elston, Helme, Buckley, Blanchard, Spicer. Subs: Liddell, Thorman, O'Loughlin, Bates, Forsyth, Cain, Priestley, Dunmore.

Wildcats: M Field, North, Whittle, Henderson, Childs, Dobeck, White, Griffin, Betham, Catic, Wrench, S Lewis, J Field. Subs: Tinsdale, Walkin, Dunnell, Emmett, Cattley, C Lewis.

Referee: Ashley Klein (W Yorks).

Kick-off: 7.30pm

Updated: 09:58 Friday, January 20, 2006