Wardle set for Castleford bow

James Gordon

New signing Joe Wardle is set to make his first appearance in Castleford colours in their Boxing Day friendly against Championship side Featherstone.

Wardle, 26, returns to Super League having spent 2017 in the NRL with Newcastle Knights, where he scored four tries in 17 appearances.

He told the club’s official website: “I’m really looking forward to having my first hit out with the boys here at the Jungle on Boxing Day.

“We’ve been back in pre-season for a while now and everyone is itching to get back on the pitch.

“I’ve heard lots about the local rivalry and I’m sure Featherstone will put up a real challenge for us and it should be a great match for the fans to enjoy over Christmas.”

Wardle made more than 140 appearances for Huddersfield up until the end of 2016 before taking up the opportunity Down Under, but has returned to the UK on a three-year deal after becoming homesick.

Fellow new signings Cory Aston, Mitch Clark, Jamie Ellis and the returning James Clare are also in Daryl Powell’s squad.

Castleford squad v Featherstone: Aston, Clark, Clare, Cook, Douglas, Egogo, Ellis, Foster, Hitchcox, Holmes, Green, Maher, O’Neill, Render, Ray, Sene-Lefao, Storey, Sweeting, Trueman, Turner, Wardle.