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Castleford Tigers: Jackson has point to prove
Front-rower Paul Jackson has vowed to show the fans what he is really made of in his second spell at Castleford Tigers.
Jackson, 31, played for Tigers in the 2003 and 2004 Super League seasons, but – by his own admission – never produced his best form.
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After five years at Huddersfield Giants, where he began his professional career before moving on to Wakefield Trinity Wildcats and then Cas, Jackson is now ready to make up for his earlier below-par spell.
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"I had a bad injury, a shoulder reconstruction, in my first year at Castleford," he said. "In my second year I struggled to find some form, so they weren't the best times for me.
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"But I have been away, I've worked under some good coaches and I am keen to put that right and to have two good years here.
Disappointed
"I was a bit disappointed how it went last time from a personal point of view and I want to do better."
Despite unhappy memories of his first stint at the Jungle, Jackson said he jumped at the chance to come back.
"I was out of contract at Huddersfield," he explained.
"They were saying they would try to keep me on, but nothing materialised.
"Cas were interested, so I told my agent I'd go straight there.
"Some of the young kids who were here last time are now the seniors and there's also a lot of ex-Huddersfield players here, so I've settled in really well and quickly as well.
"We've been back in training a couple of weeks and it's going really well at the moment."
Jackson is one of only two new faces in the camp squad for 2010, alongside ex-Wakefield forward Steve Snitch.
"There's not been a big turnaround in personnel and that's good for bonding and that sort of thing," Jackson said.
"Instead of 10 people having to learn the plays, there's only two so there should be no problem there.
"Cas did really well last year, considering they had some injuries to people like Ryan Hudson and Brent Sherwin and they had to shuffle things around.
"It's quite a small squad, but they are improving year on year."
Jackson said he is impressed with what he has seen from his new team-mates in the early stages of training.
"It was a tough first week, but everyone's looking good," he said.
"They are in better shape than they were at this stage last year, from what I've been told. Everyone has stepped up a few levels, so that's a good sign."
Meanwhile, Tigers have handed part-time contracts to two former Huddersfield Giants junors, 19-year-old stand-off Ed Barber – who finished last season on loas at Cas – and winger Richard Lopag, 20.
Tigers head of youth development Steve Gill said: "The guys have been signed on to play with our under-20s and having been given this opportunity, it's up to them now.
"They have this chance to show if they can step up to the next level. Ed did a good job for us last year and gave us some direction around the field and notched seven tries.
"Richard went well for the Giants Reserve grade and went on loan to Swinton last season where he gained some first grade experience.
"Although signing part-time contracts, both are currently training full time and will be given every opportunity to make the grade."
Lopag holds world records for the most tries in a rugby league season at any level with 169 and most hat-tricks in a season with 43, both achieved playing for his junior club Deighton.
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Friday 10 February 2012
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