Wakefield have announced the signing of full-back Richard Mathers on a season-long loan from local rivals Castleford.
England international allowed to leave Tigers to find first-team action
Wakefield have signed full-back Richard Mathers on a season-long loan from local rivals Castleford.
The Tigers have allowed Mathers - who will be allowed to play against his parent club next year - to leave due to their depth at the position.
The England international becomes the latest addition to a much-changed Wildcats squad and could make his debut in the festive friendly against Leeds, one of the 28-year-old's former employers, on Boxing Day.
"We had an approach from Wakefield on the availability of Richard Mathers as they lost Matt Blaymire for 2012," explained Castleford coach Ian Millward.
"After assessing our options and depth in the full-back position we granted the twelve-month loan to provide Richard regular Super League.
"This was also brought about by the signing of home grown talent Richard Owen for four years. I made a commitment to giving him an opportunity to play full-back.
"Also we have strength and depth in this position with Ryan McGoldrick and the emergence of the 20-year-old James Clare."
NRL stint
Mathers began his career with the Rhinos, winning a Super League Grand Final and the World Club Challenge with his home-town club before enjoying a stint in the NRL with the Gold Coast Titans in 2007.
However, he returned to England after less than a year Down Under, enjoying spells with Wigan and Warrington before the Tigers recruited him on a three-year deal in 2011.
New Wildcats coach Richard Agar is delighted to have secured the services of a player he feels will be a leader on and off the field.
"Richie will bring a number of qualities to our club," he said. "He's highly respected by his peers and he's been a winner throughout his career.
"He'll set a great example as we try and establish our own standards and cultures within the club.
"He's a first-class professional on and off the field and we're really happy to have him here."
