Castleford Tigers sign young forward from Whitehaven
Castleford Tigers have announced the signing of Whitehaven prop forward Kieran Hudson on a two-year deal.
Hudson, 21, has signed a full-time deal with the Super League side. However, he will link back up with Whitehaven for the 2022 Championship season on loan.
Speaking to castlefordtigers.com Hudson said: “It’s a bit surreal to be fair. It’s something a lad always dreams of doing playing rugby league from a young age. I’m excited to get started.
“I got involved in rugby league at school, people coming and teaching us. I have a bit of history in my family, my grandad (John Holmes) played for Leeds.”
Hudson has impressed in his opening matches for Haven, who have been supportive of the big young forward securing a top-flight contract with Castleford.
“After I left Newcastle, I got in contact with Jonty (Gorley) the manager there, started pre-season with them, and played a few games.
“They are a similar club in terms of greeting you with open arms. It’s a family-orientated club and it’s nice to be around there enjoying your rugby.”
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Hudson to train with Castleford Tigers
The young forward will be able to get valuable minutes with the Championship club, whilst also working within the Tigers training environment.
“Lee (Radford) wants me to be around the lads and learn from the more experienced players and hopefully take some of their skills on board for me. I would say I’m fairly new to the sport, but I’ve got some transferable skills.
“Get some more game time under my belt, get that ball in my hands, and when I’m down in Cas just being around people and getting some experience and taking some of that knowledge back up north.”
Gorley delighted for youngster
Whitehaven boss Gorley added: “I am absolutely over the moon for Kieran. He has came to us and proved that he is a good front-row forward. All he needed was an opportunity to prove this, he has done this with us.
“He is is a big lump of a lad who carries the ball exceptionally well. His sheer size helps him find his front on most occasions.
“Defensively Kieran does very well, as he proved against Leigh by dealing with their middles very well.
“You’ve got to remember that Kieran is still only 21, putting him in a full-time environment will do nothing but improve him, his potential is frightening.
“A mention must go to Liam McAvoy. It was Liam who persuaded me to give Kieran a chance with Whitehaven.”
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