Jordan Turner closing in on Castleford return

Jordan Turner is closing in on his Castleford Tigers return according to assistant coach Andy Last.

Turner, 33, has missed the majority of the 2022 season with a shoulder injury. 

He suffered the knock during the club’s Challenge Cup quarter-final defeat at Hull KR earlier in April. The centre had made six appearances in 2022 until then. 

“Jordan Turner has been back in training, this is his second week,” Last said during the club’s weekly press conference. 

“We’ve started to build up his contact. He’s an experienced player and someone we’ve missed. 

“Jordan’s got a strong voice and is very experienced.

“He’s a strike weapon when he lines up on the edge for us. He’s got a chance possibly next week. I’d like to say definitely the week after.”

The return would also be a timely boost for Jamaica ahead of this year’s World Cup in England. The former England Knights representative made his debut for the Reggae Warriors in 2021, which was also his testimonial match.

Last provides latest

Last also revealed that the club will be monitoring the fitness of two players ahead of their clash against St Helens on Sunday. The fixture will be televised live on Channel 4 from the Totally Wicked Stadium.

Castleford’s assistant coach explained: “We’ve got a bit of a doubt on Dan Smith with his calf. Adam Milner has had a bit of a foot problem, too. He didn’t train early part of the week but he’s responded well to treatment.

“There’s a chance them two still make the 17.”

Gareth O’Brien returns and could make his 250th career appearance. Jake Mamo misses out through a failed head injury assessment during the 32-6 derby defeat to Wakefield.

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