Sheffield sign Igbinedion

Sheffield Eagles have signed former Castleford Tigers forward Daniel Igbinedion on a one-year deal.

The 22-year-old started his career at League 1 side Oxford, where he played 21 games before moving to 2017 League Leaders’ Shield winners Castleford.

He failed to make a first-grade appearance for the Tigers but he made a lasting impression during a loan spell at Championship outfit Dewsbury Rams.

Featherstone Rovers brought in Igbinedion ahead of the Qualifiers last season. He made three appearances for the club in his short spell at the LD Nutrition Stadium.

Igbinedion’s preferred position is at prop but he has the ability to play in the back-row or at loose forward as well.

And the forward thinks he could learn a lot from Sheffield’s assistant coach Keith Senior.

He said: “Having a chat with Keith Senior before I signed, I thought what he has done in the game could be passed down to me.

“Playing Sheffield last year, they were a really good team and I wanted to be part of that.

“Sheffield are an ambitious team and I’ve been training with the boys and it’s been all good. I’m really happy, it gives me a chance to show what I’m about.”

And Senior thinks Igbinedion will add a lot to the squad in 2018.

He said: “He’s a strong, powerful forward and did well during his time at Dewsbury and Featherstone last year.

“He’s just 22 and being in an environment like Castleford for a large part of 2017 will hold him in good stead.”