ONE of the most popular riders to have worn a Newport Wasps race-jacket in the club's modern era returns to the Hayley Stadium on Sunday.

Sydney-born Craig Watson leads the Aussie Kangaroos against the GB Lions in an intriguing clash which should draw a large crowd.

Watson, considered by many to be behind only Anders Henriksson in the popularity stakes, joined Newport at the start of the club's 1997 re-formation season.

The 31-year-old played a major role as the Wasps finished the 1999 season as British Premier League runners-up and he was stand-in skipper when they defeated Edinburgh Monarchs over two legs to claim that year's National Premier Trophy.

However, Watson always wanted to race in the Elite League. He joined Poole Pirates in 2000 and although he was recently dropped from their starting line-up, the Dorset club have confirmed he is part of their long-term plans.

The meeting should be top class and the highlight could be the races between Watson and Reading Racers' Phil Morris.

Some fans have already dubbed their clash as being for the 'King of Gwent' title, Watson still living in Newport and Morris from Cwmfelinfach.

And fans are hoping both may end up riding for the Wasps in 2002. "This promises to be a cracking meeting and I'm really looking forward to the Watson v Morris races," said Newport promoter Tim Stone.

Another Newport-based Australian, Wasps' Scott Smith, will line-up alongside Watson and another former Wasp, Lee Herne.

The rest of the Australian team is made up of Trelawny Tigers' Brett Woodifield, Morris' Reading team-mate Brendan Mackay and Workington Comet's Rusty Harrison. GB Lions parade a couple of Wasps in the shape of Young England skipper Chris Neath and teenage reserve Rob Finlow and also named are Swindon Robins' talented duo Oliver Allen and Ritchie Hawkins plus British Under-21s champion Simon Stead, of Sheffield Tigers.

GB Lions: 1 - Simon Stead (Sheffield Tigers); 2 - Chris Neath (Newport Hayley Wasps); 3 - Phil Morris (Reading Racers); 4 - Oliver Allen; 5 - Ritchie Hawkins (both Swindon Robins); 6 - Rob Finlow (Newport Wasps).

Aussie Kangaroos: 1 - Craig Watson (Poole Pirates); 2 - Brendan Mackay (Reading Racers); 3 - Brett Woodifield (Trelawny Tigers); 4 - Scott Smith (Newport Wasps); 5 - Rusty Harrison (Workington Comets); 6 - Lee Herne (Arena-Essex Hammers). Start 2.30pm.

Hayley Stadium will host the British Side Car Championship on Sunday, October 14, start 2.30pm.