Eden's time to fulfil '˜rich potential' says Powell

Eden, 25, has signed a two-year deal at Wheldon Road.

He played four games for hometown Castleford in 2011 having emerged through the club’s academy but made his mark the following year after joining Huddersfield.

Giants’ head coach Nathan Brown said he could be the “next Billy Slater” and you could understand why with his, pace, trickery and flashes of brilliance in the No 1 role.

However, Eden was also frustratingly inconsistent, the odd glaring error hampering his progress, and was moved on to Hull KR after Brown’s own departure from Giants.

There he scored 24 tries in 39 appearances but, after a loan move to Salford Red Devils, was allowed a release from the final year of his contract to move to Australia in 2015.

Eden spent the entire 2015 season in the Broncos’ feeder team Wynuum Manly but made an impression for Brisbane when, from the wing, he scored a 90m try against Wigan Warriors in the World Club Challenge earlier this year.

Powell – fined £500 for his recent comments about referee Ben Thaler – has been seeking a replacement for Luke Dorn, the experienced Australian full-back who confirmed last month he will retire this season.

“I am delighted to say we have signed Greg Eden for the next two years,” he said.

“His athletic ability is exceptional, which is key in order to play at full-back in our team. I have been impressed with his development since he went to Australia and am looking forward to seeing him achieve his rich potential with us over the coming years.”

Eden made his NRL debut in the win at Parramatta in March, has played fives times since, including last weekend’s victory over Canberra Raiders, and scored two tries.

He said: “Coming back to the UK was a massive decision for me to make.

“But there’s no better team for me to return home to than Castleford, my hometown club and the team I grew up supporting.

“I’m really looking forward to the new challenge head.”