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Castleford Tigers: Millward’s pleased with Walker
Castleford Tigers coach Ian Millward is “pleased” with Jonathan Walker’s progress after the 20-year-old prop made a shock return to action.
Walker started in the front-row for Tigers’ second-string in a pre-season game at York City Knights two days ago – his first appearance since dislocating a knee in a match against Huddersfield Giants last June.
Walker – who dislocated the knee twice last year – had not been expected to play in the Knights game.
But Millward said: “He got clearance late in the week so we gave him a 20-minute burst and we were really happy with his progress.”
He added: “We are being very conservative with him, a lot of teams would have played him weeks ago.
“But when the specialist said he could have a hit-out we thought we’d make it like a training session for him.
“We are pretty happy about getting him back, because he adds some size to us.”
Tigers are still facing a front-row injury crisis with Craig Huby recovering from the fractured knee cap he suffered last Easter and new signing Grant Millington (shoulder) also set to miss the start of the season.
Millward said it is “unlikely” either Steve Snitch (ribs) or Paul Jackson (hand) will be available for Saturday’s Stobart Super League opener at Salford City Reds.
On-loan Warrington Wolves three-quarter Ryan Shaw has returned to his parent club, but Millward said Tigers will look at a new arrangement later in the season.
The coach was happy with Aussie recruit James Grehan’s first Tigers appearance, in Sunday’s 34-14 defeat at York.
Grehan, who had been playing in France for Limoux, had been at Castleford only a week and Millward said: “I was pleased with him, he did well.”
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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