Tigers confirm Guttenbeil Signing

Castleford Tigers are delighted to be able to confirm the capture of New Zealand international Awen Guttenbeil on a two-year deal for the 2007 and 2008 seasons. The 30-year old back row forward is currently with the New Zealand Warriors, where he made his senior debut in 1996, and where he has racked up over 160 NRL appearances for the Auckland based club.

An established international, Awen has won 10 test caps for the Kiwis, most recently as a member of their 2005 Tri-Nations winning squad. He also represented Tonga in the 1995 World Cup.

Tigers coach Terry Matterson said: "Awen has been an important member of the Warriors side for a number of years and he will bring with him a lot of experience and professionalism. He is a big strong mobile forward who will compliment what we already have in our pack. His capture is another massive boost for the club."

Awen said: "I'm very excited about joining the Tigers and looking forward to a new challenge. They are a team on the up and it's a great opportunity to join a club with a long history and one that has had some top New Zealand players over the years. Terry Matterson was another factor in my decision; he is going well there and is someone I admired as a player when I was starting out.

"In some ways the Tigers look to me a club that resembles the Warriors, one that will always be very competitive. Personally I feel that I am a good clubman and can bring a lot of experience to the Tigers."