Jones will join Tigers next season on a one-year contract and boss Terry Matterson says his arrival will significantly strengthen Cas' pack.

"I am very pleased to welcome Stuart on board," said Matterson.

"He has plenty of Super League experience, but is still relatively young with his best years ahead of him.

"He has initially agreed a one-year deal, but I am expecting him to be determined to win a longer one."

Matterson added: "Stuart is a strong defender and runner with an outstanding work ethic and I feel he will prove a very valuable addition to our pack, which is beginning to look a strong unit as we build for 2009.

"Stuart is the first of the English-based players we are hoping to be able to bring on board, but we are progressing on other fronts and we expect to be in a position to make further announcements in the coming weeks."

Jones described himself as "very excited" about the move.

He added: "I have had five years with Huddersfield and it is time for a new challenge and a new experience.

"Castleford are a club with a lot of ambition, they have the Super League licence and they are looking to move on to the next stage and get into the top-six and I am looking forward to helping them achieve that."

Jones, 26, began his career with hometown club Wigan Warriors in 2002, before moving to St Helens the following year.

He joined Giants in 2004, earning an England call-up that season, and was a member of their 2006 Challenge Cup final 17.

Jones is Castleford's fourth signing for next season, following Kiwis Rangi Chase and Sione Faumuina and Australian Dean Widders.

Tigers are also expected to bring in Jones' Giants team-mate Ryan Hudson and are set to complete the signing of Australian centre James Evans, from Bradford Bulls.