Grant Millington makes touching farewell gesture to Castleford

James Gordon

Grant Millington says farewell to Castleford this week and will be going home to Australia without his bushy beard.

Millington, 34, has decided to shave off the beard to raise money for the Life for a Kid charity.

The funds raised will go towards the purchase of a cot for local boy Rowan.

He was born with spina bifida and hydrocephalus and is finally home after 217 days in hospital.

But he requires a special cot that can can contain all his medical equipment and is adjustable to help control the fluid on his brain.

On his Just Giving page, Millington wrote: “I’ve been wanting to give back to the Castleford community before I move home to Australia.

“I’ve been wondering how I might do this and finally decided I would shave my beard, which I’ve been growing for 12 months, at my All Stars game on Wednesday.”

Castleford’s greatest import?

Millington has made more than 250 appearances for Castleford since arriving in 2012.

He said farewell to the fans at their final game of the season against Warrington and goes down as arguably the club’s greatest ever overseas player.

When his departure was announced, outgoing coach Daryl Powell paid tribute to him.

Powell said: “As a rugby league player, Grant is one of the most intelligent and knowledgeable people I have come across. His opinion and understanding of the game is second to none.

“On top of that, his skillset, his communication, and his ability to play in different positions shows his class.

“I think he has been absolutely phenomenal as a voice in the team and a consistent performer for Castleford.

“He has been one of the best during my time at the club, and I would like to thank him for everything he has done.

“He’s such a consistent family and rugby man, a diamond of a bloke.

“In terms of overseas players for Castleford, there are not many who have stayed as long as he has. It is a long time to stay in another country, generally, most would want to go home.

“For me, he would be one of, if not, the best overseas players Cas has had because he has been superb over all the years that he has been at the club.”

Final hurrah

The Grant Millington All Stars side will take on a Wakefield All Stars team on Wednesday at the Mobile Rocket Stadium.

Tickets are available for £10 and the game kicks off at 7.15pm.

To donate to Millington’s cause, click here.

Super League Castleford Tigers