Tigers bring in Cooper

Last updated: 10th March 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Tigers bring in Cooper

Cooper: Castleford move

The players and volunteers are trying to clear the pitch but it's going really slowly. The snow is not melting because it's only one degree.

Christophe Levy
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Castleford Tigers have captured a second player on loan in a fortnight as they brought in Warrington forward Mike Cooper for a month.

The 21-year-old played 12 matches for the Wolves last season including the Challenge Cup final, but has not yet sealed a regular starting place.

After not managing to get into Tony Smith's line-up this year, he has joined up with the Tigers on a month's loan and joins fellow loanee Wigan winger Shaun Ainscough at the Jungle.

"Mike is a big strong young forward who I feel can do a good job for us," said Castleford coach Terry Matterson. "We have lost Paul Jackson for around a month and, with our previous injuries, we have found ourselves a little short on numbers.

"Mike played in a Cup-winning side last year and has a fair bit of Super League experience so he is ready to go and he is set to play for us against Catalans this Saturday.

"At present he has joined us on a one-month deal but like Shaun Ainscough, there is the possibility of that being extended if things work out."

Cooper challenge

Cooper added: "I'm looking forward to a new challenge. Warrington are going well and it's hard to get in at the moment so this is a good opportunity for me to get some Super League time.

"I've been at Warrington all of my career so this is total change for me but, having just met the lads, it seems a good squad and I'm sure that I will fit in."

Cooper could make his debut against Catalans Dragons in Perpignan on Saturday, although there is a serious doubt about that match because of heavy snow in the south of France.

The Perpignan club have advised the Castleford team and supporters not to travel until they have completed attempts to clear the Gilbert Brutus Stadium pitch of around 40cm of snow.

Snow joke

"It's crazy," said Catalans general manager Christophe Levy. "It snowed for the whole day and everything is closed.

"The players and volunteers are trying to clear the pitch but it's going really slowly. The snow is not melting because it's only one degree.

"We will see at the end of the day how far we get but we probably won't make a decision until tomorrow."

The club deliberately arranged to play four of their opening five games away from home because of refurbishment to their ground but that work has yet to get under way following delays.

Catalans coach Kevin Walters, who was forced to cancel training yesterday, said: "It's making it a bit difficult. We haven't been able to do a field session yet but we're hoping to get a pitch this afternoon."