THERE will be an anxious wait for Wharfedale supporters through the summer until the fate of their prize centres Chris Malherbe and Mark Bedworth is settled.

There were rumours last summer that both players were about to move to a National League One side but both signed on for Wharfedale and, with two outstanding seasons under their belt, talk of a move will be just as loud this year.

Favourites among the sharks circling were big-spending Doncaster, who would have a close look at the two in the Yorkshire Cup final last week. Certainly they paid the pair a tribute by ensuring that they were not given an inch of space.

And the centres have been even more in the shop window this season with appearances for the England Counties team and, in Malherbe's case, for the Barbarians. Few clubs in National Two would argue that they are the best two centres in the division.

However, Wharfedale chairman Graham Currier said he had heard nothing about a move and was quietly confident that they would be in Wharfedale's colours again next season.

"Of course if someone came along with a huge salary for them then we'd probably be saying goodbye," said Currier.

And coach John Lawn said the early indications were that Bedworth and Malherbe would be staying at Wharfedale.

"We've already talked about game plans, tactics and things like that for next season," said Lawn. "Bedworth has a job as a development officer in his native north east but makes the journey to training and matches with the Baggett brothers, while Malherbe has set down family roots in Skipton."

He pointed out that Wharfedale had several good young players who were coveted by other clubs but he was quietly confident that there would be no departures and only arrivals for the first team squad.

One face likely to be back is flanker Rob Ledner, who has spent a year in New Zealand.

While Wharfedale can never be in the front rank when it comes to handing money to players, they have other attributes which brings - and keeps - players at Threshfield. Wharfedale are banking on these qualities to keep their star centre pairing in a green jersey come September.

A close-knit squad of players, a family atmosphere, an efficient but wholly voluntary back room set-up and good medical back-up are all factors which for some players are just as important as the size of the pay packet. And Wharfedale have few, if any peers, in that department in the national leagues.

"There's a certain ethos and the players buy into that," said Currier. "Sometimes we are told about the playing budget for some clubs in our division and we look on in envy.

"But we're not in that sort of game and when you think about it, you would not swap.

"What happens when the sugar daddy pulls out of the club? Some clubs have been badly hurt."

If both - or even one - of the two left the club, it would leave a big hole for Wharfedale to fill.

Together they scored 27 of the club's 91 league tries, with Bedworth tagging on 35 conversions, 23 penalties and a drop goal for good measure.

Both were missing for the first few games of the season as Wharfedale floundered at the foot of the league. But once they were back in tandem the side's fortunes were transformed and the wins were racked up.

So there is bound to be an anxious wait for Wharfedale fans between now and the final date for player registation at the beginning of August.