YORK rugby league legend Alan Pallister is gearing up for his last match in his home city before emigrating to Australia.

The 41-year-old former York Wasps hooker will play his final home game for New Earswick All Blacks ‘A’ against Stainland Stags in Pennine League division four on Saturday.

The second team’s player-coach, who is heading down under in June, has been involved in the sport for more than 30 years.

Having first pulled on an All Blacks shirt after playing for York Schools under-11s, Pallister went on to play for Yorkshire at U13, U15 and U17 level before signing for York Wasps in 1990.

During his 13 seasons at Huntington Stadium, Pallister captained the Wasps and made more than 100 appearances, earning him a testimonial in 2001.

Pallister returned to the All Blacks in 2003 as a player. He later took on player-coaching roles with the first team and ‘A’ team.

He steered the second string to a Pennine League Supplementary Cup triumph in 2007.

Alongside captaining the Wasps he lists among his proudest moments in the sport taking to the field with his two sons, George and James, last season.

New Earswick spokesman Phil Pallister said: “Alan has given great service to rugby league in York over the last 30-plus years and will be sadly missed by us all.

“He never gives up even in bad times. Pallo looks to bring out positives and was heartbroken when the Wasps folded.

“He would have continued to play for free to keep the Wasps going.

“It would be great to give him a great send-off on Saturday in his last home match.”

Pallister’s last game will be at Slaithwaite Saracens on Saturday, March 31, and there will be a send-off night at White Rose Avenue on June 16, from 6pm.

Meanwhile, the All Blacks first team will host Keighley in the Pennine League championship on Saturday when coaches Simon Baynes and Simon Malarkey are hoping to finish their season on a high by doing the double over Keighley, having won 19-16 away.

Holders Selby Warriors are aiming to book their place in the final of the Andrew Bennett Memorial Trophy – but they need to overcome division two promotion rivals Thornhill Trojans in the last four on Saturday.

In division seven, Warriors ‘A’ are away to Underbank Rangers ‘A’ and Sherburn Bears travel to Cowling Harlequins in division six.

There is a Saturday double-header at Elmpark Way as Heworth’s ‘A’ team host Ovenden in the Yorkshire Men’s League War of the Roses at 2pm, with the first team taking on Waterhead in National Conference League division two at 2.30pm.

The first team are again expected to be without half-back Tyler Craig, who injured an ankle playing for York City Knights reserves last Thursday.

York Acorn ‘A’ are without a game in the War of the Roses competition.

• Don’t miss The Press tomorrow for a preview of York Acorn’s third round Carnegie Challenge Cup trip to Gateshead Thunder on Saturday.