Castleford Tigers: Super League move a ‘dream come true’ for newly recruited Papua New Guinea ace

Castleford Tigers’ new signing Nixon Putt says getting a Super League move is a ‘dream come true’, having penned a two-year deal at the Jungle.

The second-rower joins Cas from the Central Queensland Capras, an official feeder club for NRL outfit the Dolphins. Putt, 27, has featured for the Capras in the Hotsplus Cup down under.

Born in Mount Hagen, the Papua New Guinea ace hails from the same city as Leigh Leopards’ star hooker Edwin Ipape, who was named in the Super League Dream Team after a stunning debut year in the top flight.

Putt – who played in all four games for PNG at last year’s delayed World Cup including the defeat to England – now can’t wait to become the latest addition to Super League from The Kumuls.

Castleford Tigers sign Papua New Guinea star

Beginning his career with the PNG Hunters, Putt then represented the Norths Devils, the same club as new club teammate and international colleague Liam Horne joined the Tigers from. After a three-year spell with the Capras, as well as impressing on the international scene, his breakthrough move has now been earned.

The 27-year-old can also play at centre if required, and scored a brace of tries against Wales at the World Cup last October, a game played at Championship newcomers Doncaster’s ground, the Eco-Power stadium.

Speaking to Castleford’s website, he said: “I’m really excited because it’s like my dream come true. I’ve been playing in the Hostplus Cup and the Intrust Supercup for the past 7 years, but I have not had any call-ups for NRL pre-season training and trials.

“I’ve been playing a lot of test matches for Papua New Guinea and the last time I represented them in the Rugby League World Cup, it was in England. When we played against Wales, I got the player of the match, played 60 minutes, and scored 2 tries.

“I’m looking forward to facing a new challenge, and meeting new people. It’s going to be good to go and see a different side of the world, it’s good for my partner and my baby to come over too, it’ll be a big family move and we can’t wait to come over.

“I’m really keen to introduce myself to the Cas fans. I’ll play my footy, and my footy will tell the fans how I play, and get their support.”

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