Chris Clarkson earns permanent Castleford deal

Castleford have signed back-rower Chris Clarkson on a short-term contract following a successful trial with the club.

Clarkson, 28, left Hull KR in the off-season and has been training with the Tigers, and has now earned a deal until the end of 2019.

He said: “I’m obviously very pleased to sign with the Tigers. It’s been a rough four or five months since leaving Hull KR but I’m very grateful to Cas for bringing me in and giving me this opportunity.

“There was a point there late last year that I didn’t think I’d be playing rugby league anymore to be honest. I love the game and coming to training with the lads has really confirmed to me that this is what I want to be doing.

“I’ve enjoyed my time here so far and I’ve tried to keep it to what I’d normally do and how I’d normally train, which I’d like to think is to a good standard anyway. I thought I would impress that way but it’s a great group and all of the lads and coaching staff have made it easy for me settling in.

“I’m excited about that all coming together but I’m more relieved than anything, I know where my future is for now and the next goal is to earn something else on the back of that. I don’t see myself as a player that jumps from club to club, I see myself wanting to be here long-term so it’s a platform now to go out and earn that.”

Clarkson has made more than 200 career appearances for Leeds, Widnes and Hull KR, as well as earning selection for England Knights in 2012.