Castleford move for Keith Mason

Castleford have signed prop Keith Mason on a one-year deal, following his mysterious departure from Huddersfield.

Mason, 30, left the Giants last month despite having three years left on his contract, and the club say “the matter is in the hands of solicitors”.

He now returns to Castleford, where he had a brief spell before joining Huddersfield six years ago.

Tigers head coach Ian Millward said: “I was in search of an experienced forward who could offer a presence both in training and on the field and Keith fits that bill. Having previously coached him at St Helens, I know him to have one of the best work ethics in the game; he commands respect from his peers and will no doubt have a positive impact on the team.

“I am confident that Keith still has some of his best years ahead of him which should also create some healthy competition between the forwards as we gear up for next season. He starts with immediate effect and will join the squad in training tomorrow.”

The experienced front-rower has also played for Wakefield, Melbourne and St Helens during his career.

He becomes Millward’s eighth capture for 2013, joining Lee Gilmour, Michael Shenton, Jake Webster, Jamie Ellis, Jordan Tansey, Justin Carney and Weller Hauraki.