Castleford Tigers' Adam Milner expects to be a one-club man - long-serving forward prepares for testimonial game at Hull KR

The game itself is now largely forgotten, but Castleford Tigers’ 44-18 Super League win over Huddersfield Giants at the Jungle on July 4, 2010, has proved significant for the club and, in particular, Adam Milner.

Having made his debut, as a substitute, that day, the Wakefield-born, Stanley Rangers product is now preparing for his 12th season in the first team squad.

Along with captain Michael Shenton - whose Castleford service was broken by a two-year spell at St Helens - Milner is the only player from the side on duty that day still on Tigers’ books.

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Originally a hooker, Milner - facing competition from two Tigers Men of Steel in Daryl Clark and Paul McShane - has reinvented himself as one of Betfred Super League’s most influential loose-forwards and was capped by England three years ago.

His long service has now been rewarded with a testimonial, but Milner revealed there was a time three years ago when he considered a fresh challenge elsewhere.

“I wanted to see if there was anything in the NRL,” he confirmed. “I was probably at my prime, coming off a really good year in 2017 and I wanted to see what was out there.

“Nothing really came of it and I was so thankful to Cas at that time for standing by me; they have been such a great club with me over the years and I am so thankful I am here and having my testimonial now.”

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Milner, 29, has plenty of time ahead of him in the game, but expects to end his career as a one-club man.

“I don’t see why not,” he said. “I’ve spent 10-01 years at this club and been through the academy and I know the club inside out.

“The longer I’ve spent with this club, the more it has grown on me - it is like my second home.

“It is not the prettiest of clubs and we haven’t got the best facilities, but we sure do make the best out of what we’ve got.

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“I have loved every minute of rocking up to training here and what we’ve built as well.

“Since Powelly [coach Daryl Powell] has come in, we’ve developed a really good culture here and long may it continue and Castleford keep getting better and better as a club.”

Tigers will take on Hull KR in Milner’s benefit match, behind closed doors at Hull College, Craven Park, on Sunday.

The game will be streamed live on Facebook, for a £4.99 viewing fee, with money raised going to Milner’s testimonial fund.

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“It’s all we can do at the minute - it’s something new and quite exciting,” MIlner said.

“In an ideal world I’d like to have this game at the Jungle, with the crowd rocking, but it is difficult times we are living in at the moment.

“Hull KR have been great to allow the game to go ahead over there and it is certainly one I am looking forward to.”

He added: “I have done quite a lot of reflecting since my testimonial got announced.

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“Hopefully I’ll be releasing a brochure with all the moments I’ve had through my career. Looking back, it sure has been a ride and a job I have loved doing - I feel so fortunate for the position I’ve been in.”

Sunday’s match can be booked by visiting https://www.facebook.com/events/3827651073950348/.

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