Long-serving Castleford forward set to make immediate Super League move

Castleford head coach Andy Last has revealed that long-serving forward Adam Milner is set to depart the club and join Super League rivals Huddersfield.

Milner, 31, only reached the milestone of 300 appearances for the Tigers earlier this month, but now appears to be on his way out of The Jungle.

He had been close to linking up with Wakefield earlier this season, but that move was reportedly blocked by Last.

The former Stanley Rangers junior has made nine appearances for Castleford this season, the last of which was against Catalans on May 12.

Last said: “Adam Milner is potentially on the move which has been spoken about in the press. That hasn’t been finalised in regards to the paperwork so that’s why he’s not playing for us at the weekend.

“It’s potentially with immediate effect. Just got to dot the I’s and cross the T’s to make sure that is satisfactory for both clubs.

“Three weeks ago he hit 300 games for Castleford Tigers. I think he’s sat on 301 now, he’s been a great servant to the club and a player who has represented the club with respect and distinction and a player with great desire, but made the decision he felt was in his best interests.

“There was an opportunity with him not just for this year, but for next year which we weren’t in a position to guarantee him for next year so we won’t stand in his way and wish him all the best. Hopefully all that gets finalised so we can say our goodbyes.”

Castleford’s next game is away at Huddersfield on Friday night.

Milner himself has since confirmed the move via his Instagram page.

He said: “My time at Castleford Tigers is up, it’s been my life for 13+ years. From making my debut at 18 years old in 2010 to go on and make 301 appearances featuring in both a Grand Final and a Challenge Cup final and to be part of the first Cas team to ever win the league in 2017.

“To be granted a testimonial a couple of years ago, I can honestly say I have put my heart and soul into the club and have got everything and more out of it.

“I have had some of the most incredible experiences that’ll never be forgotten and made some of the best friendships along the way.

“I am immensely proud to have worn the Cas colours and represent this amazing club so long, I’m gutted the way it has ended and it has been an incredibly emotional time for myself to leave.

“But I am looking forward to a new challenge at Huddersfield.”

Huddersfield targeting English hooker to develop younger players

Giants coach Ian Watson was coy on interest in Milner when he was asked about the move last week.

He said: “He’s a decent player, he’s played in Grand Finals.

“We’re in a position where we obviously lost a nine late on last year and felt like we recruited those kind of guys for this year.

“But going forward, having an English nine who can add to the quality to your squad and bring on players and develop and bring the younger players on to a better level, it is what you need. 

“Whenever there’s a quality player who becomes available, you’re always interested. I won’t say that I’m not interested in Adam Milner.

“The fact that he’s English, is a competitor and plays with enthusiasm, he’s very similar to Ash Golding in many ways.

“It’s probably a no-brainer for us as well. We want to keep on building the team and building it the right way.”

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