Greg Minikin returns after shoulder reconstruction

Castleford winger Greg Minikin will make his first appearance since the Super League Grand Final against Newcastle on Saturday.

The Tigers travel to Kingston Park to face League One Thunder for a 5pm kick-off in their final warm-up game before their Super League opener against St Helens on Friday.

Minikin, 22, has had shoulder reconstruction surgery over the off-season.

He told the club’s official website: “I can’t wait to get back in the team on Saturday! It’s been a long off season for me in rehab following my shoulder op and I am ready to get back out there.

“This is my chance to claim a spot in the squad who;ll take on St.Helens next week and I’ll be doing my best to be in that opening round of Super League.”

Minikin scored 22 tries in 29 appearances for the Tigers last season.

Castleford 19-man squad v Newcastle: Aston, Clare, Clark, Cook, Douglas, Egodo, Ellis, Foster, Hitchcox, Lo, Maher, McMeeken, Minikin, O’Neill, Peachey, Ray, Storey, Sweeting, Turner.