Aiton to experience derby passion

James Gordon

Super League ace Paul Aiton will feature at loose forward for PNG

Papua New Guinea international Paul Aiton will get his first taste of derby action when his Wakefield side takes on Castleford in a pre-season friendly on Sunday.

Aiton, 26, has made the switch to Belle Vue from Cronulla over the close season, and is one of a number of new faces in the Wildcats line-up.

He got his first run out for the club in the 46-10 defeat to Catalan last week, but attention has now turned to the Tigers clash.

Aiton told the club’s official website: “It’s been really good and everyone has been really friendly.

“It’s a good bunch of blokes and there’s some good fans and some good sponsors from those I’ve met already, and they’re really inviting and very supportive.

I’m really looking forward to be involved at the weekend. You hear it from everyone. You’re just having a chat and they’ll say, ‘You’ve got to beat Castleford’.”

It’s a friendly that promises to be anything but, although Aiton will get plenty of experience of derby days this season, with the Wildcats guaranteed to face Castleford at least three times this campaign.

The Wildcats travel to the PROBIZ Coliseum on 6th April, before a meeting at the Manchester Magic Weekend on 26th May. Castleford then make the short trip to Belle Vue for the return fixture on 5th August.