Cas swoop for Aspinwall
Castleford Tigers have signed experienced second row forward Martin Aspinwall on a one-year deal.
Aspinwall, 29, joins the Tigers having had a five-year spell at Huddersfield Giants where he made the transition from the outside backs to the second row.
Before his spell at the Galpharm Stadium, Martin represented his hometown club Wigan for whom he made his Engage Super League debut in 2001.
On joining the Tigers, Martin said: “I’m happy to join the Tigers. They are what I call a proper Rugby League club with great tradition and I’m really looking forward to getting started.
“There are some very skilful players at the club who can score a lot of points and I think there is a lot of potential here.
“They were unlucky not to make the play-offs last season and there’s a lot of focus on making sure we make the ‘eight’ this year. I’m excited about being a part of that.
“I think I’ll bring a bit of mobility to the pack; it’s one of my strengths and I will always give 100%.
“I’ve been playing in the back row for approximately 18 months now and I had a really good pre season last year where I got comfortable with the position. I was going well and feeling good until I injured my shoulder and that was the end of the season for me.
“I’m fit again now and I can’t wait to get back into it. I’ve only signed a one-year deal and I’m going to do all I can to get an extended contract with the club.”
Pleased with his latest signing, Tigers head coach Terry Matterson said:
“While he can play in the outside backs, we have signed him as a back row forward (second row).
“It is important that we tighten up our defence next year and although Martin is a strong ball runner, one of his major strengths is that he is a very good defender.
“Martin comes recommended by the other former Giants players in our squad who speak highly of his work ethic and playing ability.
“He was unlucky to get an injury mid season and comes to us with a wealth of Super League experience.
“He is another recruit that I feel will lift us into the play offs next season.”
Martin is the Tigers’ sixth new signing during the closed season so far and the fifth to have signed for the club having helped their former side to a place in last season’s play-offs.
Joining Martin at The Jungle are Richard Mathers (Warrington), Danny Orr (Harlequins), Nick Youngquest (Crusaders RL) plus former St Helens duo Nick Fozzard and Jacob Emmitt.