New duo for Tigers

Troubled Super League strugglers sign two forwards.

Last updated: 24th April 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

New duo for Tigers

Catic: Castleford deal

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Castleford Tigers have added two Australian forward to their ranks as they continue their battle at the foot of Super League.

The Tigers will see if Dwain Chambers could have a future with them on Sunday when he plays in a specially-arranged friendly at the Jungle, but they have also added two more new faces to their ranks.

21-year-old Brendan Hlad joins from Penrith Panthers, while prop Ned Catic will join from France as soon as his work permit is granted, with both men signing until the end of the season.

Hlad can play as a prop of back row, but is yet to play top level rugby after coming through the ranks at Newcastle Knights and joining Penrith last year.

Hlad has a British passport and could even make an appearance against Catalans Dragons on Saturday as he searches for his first taste of first team rugby.

Opportunity

"This is a big opportunity for me and a great chance to help the Tigers," Hlad said.

Castleford football manager Michael Robinson believes both Hlad and former Wakefield prop Catic will be good additions to the Tigers playing squad.

"Brendan is very keen to break into first grade rugby after a very successful season in Jersey Flegg last year," said Robinson.

"There is a lot of competition at the Panthers and that has enabled us to secure his release. He is a real hard-working player and we feel that given this opportunity he will do a great job for us.

"With Ned, we have agreed a deal but because of the paperwork and the permit situation, that can't be completed by the weekend, but we hope that he will be available for the Millennium Magic game against his former club Wakefield."

Experience

29-year-old Catic has Super League and NRL experience under his belt after spells with Penrith and Sydney Roosters before joining Wakefield.

Catic has just ended the French season with Lyon and he is keen to make his debut against his former club Wakefield at Millennium Magic when his work permit should be through.

"I'm looking forward to a new challenge," said Catic. "I'm ready to go after just finishing a spell playing in France and possibly a debut against the Wildcats.

"I know that there are only four months of the season left but I am looking forward to making an impact."