Castleford Tigers star patient over new deal

Long-serving Australian forward Grant Millington is playing a “waiting game” over a new Castleford Tigers contract.
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The 33-year-old fans’ favourite signed an extended deal in August, 2017, which is due to expire this autumn.

Though the club have indicated they want to keep him - and he is keen to play on - the process has been delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

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Millington, 33, joined Tigers from NRL outfit Canterbury Bulldogs ahead of the 2012 season and a new contract could take him to a decade with the club.

Grant Millington is tackled by St Helens' James Roby and Morgan Knowles in Castleford's last game before Super League was shut down. Picture by Tony Johnson.Grant Millington is tackled by St Helens' James Roby and Morgan Knowles in Castleford's last game before Super League was shut down. Picture by Tony Johnson.
Grant Millington is tackled by St Helens' James Roby and Morgan Knowles in Castleford's last game before Super League was shut down. Picture by Tony Johnson.

He has been at the heart of Castleford’s pack during their transition from Super League also-rans to title contenders and was voted into the Dream Team in 2017 when Tigers topped the table.

The prop, who has also filled in as a second-rower and an emergency half-back, was in outstanding form before the coronavirus shutdown and - following Tigers’ win at Hull KR in February - coach Daryl Powell described his performances this year as at a “different level”.

Millington admitted the enforced layoff is “a little bit frustrating”, but confirmed: “Cas mentioned to me before all this happened they were interested in keeping me on, so it is just a waiting game.

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“It is definitely frustrating. While you want to be putting your best foot forward on the pitch to be able to sort your future, the time is ticking towards the end of the season - even though we don’t know how many games we’ll be playing or what we’ll be doing.

Grant Millington had an outstanding game for Tigers when they won at Hull KR in February. Picture by Jonathan Gawthorpe.Grant Millington had an outstanding game for Tigers when they won at Hull KR in February. Picture by Jonathan Gawthorpe.
Grant Millington had an outstanding game for Tigers when they won at Hull KR in February. Picture by Jonathan Gawthorpe.

“Ideally you’d like to have your future sorted, so you can have that bit of security.

“But we are talking about a rugby contract here; there’s a lot more at stake so if it takes a bit of extra time to get that sort of stuff sorted it is more than understandable for me.”

At this stage clubs are aiming towards an August restart in Betfred Super League, with the Grand Final being played in either November, December or January.

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Super League contracts expire on November 30, so that could become an issue if the season continues into the following month or the new year.

Widnes Vikings' defence get to grips with Grant Millington during his first season at Castleford, in 2012. Picture by Bruce Rollinson.Widnes Vikings' defence get to grips with Grant Millington during his first season at Castleford, in 2012. Picture by Bruce Rollinson.
Widnes Vikings' defence get to grips with Grant Millington during his first season at Castleford, in 2012. Picture by Bruce Rollinson.

“We are in the dark about that at the moment,” Millington said.

“I have no idea, but I am assuming - this is only my thoughts - they’d be able to extend your contract by another month, or however long.

“There are a lot of ifs, buts and maybes at the moment, but hopefully we can start getting answers to all the questions soon.”

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Millington could be a contender for the Exiles if the team - made up of overseas players in Super League - is revived to provide World Cup opposition for England ahead of next year’s tournament.

England were due to take on Australia in an Ashes series this year, but that was cancelled this week.

Millington admitted: “It is obviously not ideal.

“The English side want to improve and do well and getting the chance to play against the Aussies would have been a big step forward in doing that.

“At the same time, we are talking about rugby here and we have to do what’s right not only for the players, in keeping everyone safe, but also the country.

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“There’s so many little things that can happen that can cause sparks. If giving up a few games of rugby helps prevent that, I think it’s important we do that.”

Despite his long spell in the European game, Millington would not have been supporting England.

“I’ve got to go with the Aussies,” he insisted.

“I have been here quite a long time, but I am still an Aussie.

“To be honest, I do enjoy it when the English boys do well.

“I still listen to NRL podcasts and they’ll speak about Super League and speak down about it, so I really enjoy it when the English side does well.

“I don’t want them to win, but I want them to do well.”

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