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Fletcher Back With Tigers

Sat 26 Jan, 12:45 AM


Castleford have signed Australian winger Adam Fletcher for the second time as they finalise preparations for their return to Super League.

The Tigers have the smallest squad in Super League but the addition of Fletcher takes their numbers up to 22 and coach Terry Matterson plans to make at least one more signing.

The 24-year-old Fletcher, who has Greek ancestry and is therefore off the overseas quota, scored eight tries in 13 appearances in Castleford's last Super League campaign two years ago but left the club when they were relegated.

Fletcher, who originally joined them from Queensland Cup team Redcliffe Dolphins, did not play any rugby in 2007 and will join the club initially on a two-month trial.

Matterson said: "I have been looking to add to our back line and Adam did well for us in 2006.

"We want to give him an opportunity to prove himself and, if he can meet the standards of Super League, then we'll look to give him the opportunity."

Meanwhile, co-captain Awen Guttenbeil and centre Kirk Dixon will be Castleford's only absentees when they take on Hull KR at Craven Park on Sunday in the Stanley Gene testimonial.

Rovers, who kick off Super League XIII early with a trip to defending champions Leeds next Saturday - a game moved forward due to the World Club Challenge - will have new overseas signings Ben Galea, Daniel Fitzhenry and Jake Webster in action for their only pre-season friendly.

Elsewhere, former Leeds full-back Richard Mathers, Wigan's new signing from Australian club Gold Goast Titans, will make his comeback from a knee reconstruction in the Warriors' game at Widnes.

Brian Noble's 25-strong squad also includes Josh Veivers, the 18-year-old son of assistant coach and former St Helens full-back Phil Veivers.

Huddersfield have prop John Skandalis back for the trip to Batley and stand-off Jamie Rooney has been named in Wakefield's squad for the derby at Featherstone.

Centres Shontayne Hape and James Evans will play their first matches of 2008 after being named in a strong Bradford side for the trip to Keighley and new signing Peter Cusack is set to make his first appearance for Hull at Doncaster.

Warrington, too, are expected to be close to full strength for their game against Salford, which has been switched to The Willows.

While his team-mates prepare to face Russell Crowe's South Sydney Rabbitohs in Jacksonville, Leeds' unsettled prop Jamie Thackray will line up for the Rhinos in a friendly against National League Two club York.

The teams will be competing for the Jeff Stevenson Memorial Trophy, which has been named in memory of the Leeds legend who passed away last year.

Catalans Dragons are the only super League team not involved in friendlies this weekend, although St Helens are fielding a largely academy team at Swinton.

Harlequins play their second match in five days when they meet National League One newcomers Celtic Crusaders in Bridgend.

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