Westerman under observation

Castleford's Joe Westerman was taken to hospital for overnight observation after having fits during the Tigers' defeat by St Helens.

Forward is able to speak before trip to hospital

Castleford's Joe Westerman was taken to hospital for overnight observation after having fits during the Tigers' defeat by St Helens. The 19-year-old loose forward suffered a head injury in a collision in the first half at The Jungle. He went into spasms and the game was held up for 12 minutes as he received treatment from at least eight medical or training staff. Westerman, a rising star tipped for international honours, was eventually carried off on a stretcher but recovered sufficiently to be able to speak before being taken to Wakefield's Pinderfields Hospital. Tigers coach Terry Matterson said: "He kept having fits and that is why they couldn't take him off the field. "He seemed to be going okay and then he would have another fit. "But there is good news because he is coming along okay. That is the main thing." The incident occurred after 29 minutes of the game in an apparently innocuous collision off the ball. "I wouldn't think there was too much in it but we will have a look at the video," Matterson added. "We need to find out why he got the injury." Saints cruised to a 68-22 victory but their coach Mick Potter admitted: "Things like that do happen but you do lose a bit of focus. It is distracting and it makes you feel for the opposition. "It is a bit sad that something like that can happen in a game. I hope Joe is all right. Making sure he is okay is the first priority."