LONDON (AFP) - Controversial sprinter Dwain Chambers insisted Sunday he is determined to make a success of his surprise switch to rugby league after being offered trials by Castleford.

The 29-year-old is set to be unveiled by the engage Super League's bottom club at a press conference on Monday.

The former Olympian has struggled to resurrect his athletics career since serving a two-year ban for using designer steroid THG.

He won 60 metres silver at the World Indoor Championships in Valencia earlier this month but is banned from Olympic competition and promoters have closed ranks to prevent him running at most other meetings.

Chambers told the News of the World: "Both Castleford and I are determined for this to work. The reaction to the news has been wild.

"I'm still on a mental down because of my situation in athletics, despite winning silver in Valencia, but I woke up on Saturday to see my face all over the television again and I realised rugby league gives me a chance to put a positive spin on my sporting outlook."

Chambers must pay off debts of 100,000 pounds (199,000 dollars) for prize money accrued during the period he was cheating in athletics.

He admits the money is crucial as he chases a 60,000 pound-per-year (119 dollars) deal with the Tigers.

He said: "The fact is I have to earn a living for myself, my fiancee Leonie and my baby boy Skye.

"Potentially I could make that short of money for about nine seconds' work in a grand prix race, but things have changed. So 60,000 pounds would be nice."

Having played American football in the now defunct NFL Europa, Chambers claims the physical aspect of rugby league does not worry him.

He added: "I'm not doing this for a laugh - I know how badly you can be hurt in rugby league but I'm ready.

"I experienced American football last year and am fully aware of just how violent contact sports can be.

"I'm told rugby league is even more barbaric. Let's wait and see."

Meanwhile, Chambers' lawyer Nick Collins revealed Sunday that the sprinter has not ruled out a challenge his lifetime Olympic ban.

"At this stage nothing has been ruled out," said Collins, who is surprised that many people have jumped to the conclusion that Chambers has quit athletics.

He added: "I do not understand the comments of these people.

"He's been invited to Castleford for a couple of weeks to train and have a look around and see if he likes the set up.

"During his stay up here, we'll be discussing the merits of pursuing the appeal."