Former Harlequins RU half-back Lloyd Wheeldon joins Castleford on trial

Drew Darbyshire

Castleford have brought in former Harlequins RU half-back Lloyd scrum-half on a one-month trial. 

The 24-year-old, who is currently serving as a Lance Corporal in 3 Para, began his trial with the Tigers at the start of January after being granted a temporary release from the active service.

Lloyd has featured for the British Army’s Senior XV before joining Harlequins RU in 2019.

Wheeldon said: “This is my eighth year in the army, I played army rugby union first team, so I’ve always been a union dominant player.

“I’ve played in high-end games like Army vs Navy and obviously got poached for Harlequins from there.

“I’ve always wanted to try playing rugby league and I got quite friendly with Sean Long when he was down there. I got chatting to him about it and then put the feelers out there through my agent, and then an opportunity came up for a trial with Cas after Daryl (Powell) showed interest.”

Castleford coach Daryl Powell said: “He’s got a great attitude, and he’s been in the army so he’s a tough kid.

“Getting used to the nuances of rugby league in the first couple of weeks is important for him, but I just think it is important to have a look at him and see how he goes.

“Obviously, he’s not going to be able to play this month, but we get to have a good look at him, and it gives him an opportunity to pick up all the little bits of rugby league.”

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