Chambers: Hitting the ground running with the Tigers

I suppose I didn't know the enormity of it all. I didn't realise who he (Chambers) was. But he's fast. I don't think I've ever seen anything quite as fast in my life.

Castleford coach Terry Matterson
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Castleford coach Terry Matterson feels the arrival of Dwain Chambers has been a "breath of fresh air" for Super League's bottom club.

The sprinter has been training with his new team-mates this week as he begins a month-long trial in an attempt to win a full-time contract.

It had been hinted at Monday's press conference to announce Chambers' arrival at The Jungle that he could make a shock debut against St Helens this Sunday.

Although Matterson now admits his latest recruit is still some way off playing for the first team he has been impressed by the 29-year-old's hard work, as well as his express pace.

Tough ask

"He's been really good," he said. "It's been a breath of fresh air, especially after our performance last week.

"We're in a tough place at the moment and he's come along with a smile on his face. He's doing something that's foreign to him and he's enjoying it.

"The reality of it all is that it's going to be a tough ask. There is no doubt about that. The way he's putting himself in there, he's giving it a fair crack.

"I suppose I didn't know the enormity of it all. I didn't realise who he was. But he's fast. I don't think I've ever seen anything quite as fast in my life.

"Obviously there's some other stuff that comes with it. The stamina part is going to be a bit of an issue and that takes time and the physicality of it all which we haven't seen.

"It will be interesting to see after a contact session how he goes but we're not ready for that one yet. That will probably come next week. We've got to make sure we get a gum shield and headgear for him.

"He's caught a few bombs yesterday and he looked okay. His actual co-ordination is not too bad. Catching and passing, that takes time, but again he doesn't look completely out of place."

Dangerous

Matterson announced that he would not even consider Chambers to play in the reserves this weekend, let alone be involved with the senior side.

Saftey issues are the major concern while the Australian also feels to throw the new boy in at the deep end ahead of some of the Tigers' promising young juniors would be unfair to all parties.

"He's not playing on Sunday," said Matterson. "I wouldn't do that. His safety is important as well.

"You can't put someone in who is not prepared physically and mentally as well. I think the look on his face (at the press conference) said it all.

"I think that would be dangerous, to be honest, and I don't think he or the club can afford that.

"As well, it probably wouldn't be fair on the young guys. We've a couple of young kids who would probably get more out of being 18th man."