Dorn fit and focused for 2016

Castleford fullback Luke Dorn is planning a big season ahead with the Tigers and says retirement has not crossed his mind.

The veteran turns 34 next July and his contract at the Jungle finishes at the end of the 2016 season.

But Dorn, who has made more than 250 appearances in the UK since joining London in 2005, is not thinking about the future.

“We’ll just wait and see, the body’s fine touch-wood,” he said.

“I’ve been pretty lucky over the years, I haven’t had any long-term injuries or anything that comes back.

“I haven’t had any recos or anything like that so I’m not too bad.

“I’m also lucky I’m not a front-rower so I don’t have to get in the firing line too much and get bashed around every week.

“The body’s OK it’s just a matter of there will be a few decisions to be made, both on the club front and up to me whether that’s going to happen.

“That’s a little bit down the line but it’s always in the back of your mind whether you’re going to keep playing or what you’re going to do.

“But my wife and myself will have a think I suppose nearer the time and obviously see what the club say.

“If a contract isn’t there they’re won’t be a great deal to think about.”

Dorn has scored 25 tries in 36 matches after rejoining Castleford at the start of 2014.

The Australian, who has also played for Salford and the Broncos, previously spent the 2008 season with the Tigers. He made his debut in the NRL in 2002.

This year Dorn was restricted to just 14 games, scoring 10 tries and setting up seven, because of niggly injuries.

The 33-year old picked up a groin complaint in the final match of Super League XX but says he is feeling fine now and will be more than ready for the season opener in February.

“My body’s alright,” Dorn said.

“I tore my groin in the last game of last season so having that break after that was alright.

“I did a bit of modified training the first couple of weeks but apart from that it’s all good.

“I’ll be ready to go for round one so looking forward to it.”

Castleford head to Spain next month for a training camp abroad, a departure from their program in previous seasons.

The Tigers will spend seven days at Club La Santa in Lanzarote.

“We’re going to the warm weather in January for a week, which should be good,” Dorn said.

“We’re done a couple of army camps in previous camps, which I think you can only do a few of those ones and you’ve got the continuation of this squad.

“Our first one was extremely successful, as was the second one, and then I think they lose a bit of their intensity.

“So we’re getting out there and hoping to take our game to the next level with a bit of good weather.”