Dan Fleming joins Castleford Tigers on one-month trial

The Wales international left Halifax last week to pursue a new opportunity after the Championship campaign was cancelled last month.

The 28-year-old spent two years at Castleford between 2013 and 2014, making 16 appearances before joining Bradford Bulls.

The Halifax-born player made his professional debut with Rochdale Hornets but made just one appearance before opting to join Batley Bulldogs.

He played in Toronto Wolfpack’s inaugural season before joining his hometown club a year later but left in the hope of playing again this year.

Fleming is ready to give his all, in the hope that his trial will turn into something more permanent.

“I’ve been looking for an opportunity to play again this season and I’ve been lucky enough that Daryl and the Tigers have given me that opportunity and I’m really looking forward to it” said Fleming.

“It’s like a second chance not only to play in 2020, which I didn’t think might come along, but also with Cas too, hopefully, I can train as hard as I can and fingers crossed something comes at the end of it.

"I’m looking to give all that I can, really.”

Fleming continued: “I came through the Academy with Cas and was fortunate enough to make my Super League debut in 2013 with the Tigers.

“If I can get even one game towards the end of my trial I’d be really happy with that, I just have to knuckle down in training and see how we go, I’m just going to try and enjoy it.”

With games set to come thick and fast for Castleford, head coach Daryl Powell felt Fleming could “stiffen up” his squad’s middles.

The game has become more demanding for forward players following the rule changes implemented ahead of the resumption of Super League.

Powell added: "Dan’s been with Castleford before and I know he was wanting to have another crack in Super League after going really well in the Championship.

“I think with the amount of games that we are going to have I thought it was important we stiffen up our middle unit and give us some numbers.

“Dan’s a great kid and I know him from his previous time with the club and he’s improved and matured in the years since, I’m pleased to give him an opportunity.”

Director of rugby Jon Wells added: “Dan rejoins the Tigers with a real motivation to take this second shot at life as a Super League player.

“He will add some size to our squad and increase competition for places and we’re all looking forward to seeing what he can bring.”

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