Luke Gale teases possible debut for new club Keighley

Josh McAllister
Luke Gale. PA

Luke Gale could make his debut for new club Keighley this weekend in Jake Webster’s testimonial against Castleford.

The former England international was released by Hull at the end of the 2022 Super League season, and linked up with Keighley for their return to the Championship on a one-year deal.

It’s Keighley’s second pre-season fixture, having defeated Newcastle Thunder 24-12 away from home last Saturday.

The club host Lee Radford’s Castleford this Sunday, with a 3:00pm kick-off, for Webster’s testimonial. The former Tiger was awarded a 12-month testimonial by the Rugby Football League earlier in January to reward his services to the sport.

Webster, who began his career in Australia, moved to England ahead of the 2008 season with Hull KR. The outside-back is just short of 350 career appearances.

Gale, 34, was not named for the clash at Kingston Park last weekend. Dane Chisholm instead partnered captain Jack Miller in the halves for the game.

Ben Crooks made his first appearance for the club, having joined from Hull KR during the off-season on a two-year deal. Ellis Robson, Mark Ioane and Sadiq Adebiyi also made their debuts for the club, having joined for the 2023 campaign. Former Leigh forward Ioane was also among the try-scorers alongside Alix Stephenson and Robbie Storey, who crossed twice.

Luke Gale teases Keighley debut

2017 Man of Steel winner Gale took to social media to tease his debut, sharing: “Looking forward to Sunday. Should be a great turnout for the legend Jake Webster.

“See you all there.”

Meanwhile, Castleford are expected to take the majority of their first-team for the trip to Cougar Park – but the likes of Gareth Widdop, Niall Evalds and Jacob Miller will not feature, Radford confirmed earlier this week.

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