Joe Westerman starts for Castleford against his former club Hull FC

Joe Westerman has been named to start at loose forward for Castleford in their Super League season opener at his former club Hull FC on Sunday.

Westerman, 33, has been under the spotlight ahead of Super League’s opening weekend of fixtures followed a lewd video shared on social media.

The Tigers conducted an internal investigation on the incident, with the player issuing an official apology. 

Westerman was also handed a “substantial” fine as well as required to undertake community service by the club. 

And Westerman will start against Hull on Sunday afternoon, 3pm kick-off.

Castleford: Evalds; Faraimo, Fonua, Turner, Mamo; Widdop, Miller; Watts, McShane, Massey, Edwards, Mellor, Westerman. Subs: Lawler, Griffin, Broadbent, Matagi.

Hull: Hoy; Swift, Sutcliffe, Scott, McIntosh; Clifford, McNamara; Satae, Dwyer, Taylor, Lane, Griffin, Fash. Subs: Cator, Evans, Houghton, Lovodua.

Lee Radford on Joe Westerman selection call

Speaking to the media on Thursday, Radford revealed that Westerman would be available for Sunday’s game.

“Joe Westerman is available, definitely,” Radford said. “I think he’ll be up for playing, definitely.”

Asked about how the player has handled the week mentally, Radford explained:  “He’s alright. He’s been himself. Monday knocked us about a little. But since then he has trained well and put his best foot forward for selection.

“He’s one of a number of players who have had a good pre-season and I’m looking forward to seeing what they can do as a collective in 2023.”

Meanwhile, Gareth Widdop, Jacob Miller and Jack Broadbent will make their competitive debuts for Castleford.

New signings Tex Hoy, Liam Sutcliffe, Jake Clifford and Brad Dwyer all start for Hull.

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