Dane Nielsen rejected offer from Castleford

New Bradford centre Dane Nielsen has revealed that he was approached by Castleford before he received the offer to join the Bulls.

Nielsen, 30, moved to the Bulls officially at the end of July, after spending some time with his family in Australia.

Released from the St George-Illawarra Dragons after an incident in a nightclub, Nielsen did not feel ready to play in England when the Cas offer came.

“Castleford came in for me pretty soon after I left the Dragons but my heart wasn’t in it at that point after getting treated that way. I just wanted to go home, relax and spend some time with my family,” he told the Telegraph & Argus.

“I’ve been looking after my mum back in Mackay as she’s been ill and I’ve really enjoyed seeing my nieces, nephews and other family and friends.

“I wasn’t sure what was going to happen in terms of my footie career because when all the stuff happened with the Dragons, I just wanted to get away from it for a bit.

“I wanted to come over and play in England but considered leaving it until next year. Then the opportunity to join the Bulls come up and it really appealed to me.

“So while it was disappointing how it ended at the Dragons, it was a bit of a blessing in disguise. The break has left me really refreshed and hungry to get back into the game. I’m very keen to make my mark.”