Tuesday 16 June 2015 17:25, UK
Castleford have signed prop Gadwin Springer from Catalans Dragons and the first South American to ever appear in Super League has signed a two and a half year deal.
The 22-year-old was born in French Guiana and did not discover rugby league until he moved from South America to Toulouse 10 years ago.
But he went on represent France at youth level and was signed by the Dragons from feeder club St Esteve two years ago.
Springer said: “When my agent told me Cas were interested in me, I was happy because I know Cas is a good team. I'm excited.
"I always thought if I had a chance to come to England and play I would like to do it. The coach was not very happy but I told him I wanted to come here for the experience."
Springer made just three substitute appearances in Super League for the Catalans but one of them was against Castleford and he impressed their coach Daryl Powell.
"We're pretty excited about Gadwin," said Powell. "I've seen him play a few times off the bench for Catalans this year and he's a handful.
"I'm fully expecting him to get better. He's young and physically he's a good specimen.
"It's ideal that he's come over now. He can get settled in and get some game time under his belt.
"We'll see how quickly he fits into what we do.
"We don't have a game next week so we can have a good look at Gadwin and he can have a look at us.”
Meanwhile, Powell welcomes back winger Justin Carney and prop forward Matt Cook for the visit of leaders St Helens on Thursday.
Both players have been out for two months, Carney with a dislocated elbow and Cook with an ankle injury, and Powell is thrilled to have some decisions to make.
"We've got some selection issues, which has changed a little bit," he said. "A couple of games ago we only had 19 players.
"Justin is one of our elite players and he was playing outstandingly well before he got his injury.
"It's great to have him back and hopefully he can kick on from where he finished."
