Saturday 9 July 2016 15:22, UK
Castleford coach Daryl Powell consulted with his senior players before opting to bring Rangi Chase back to the club.
The 2011 Man of Steel quit the game in May but this week rejoined his first English club and he will end a three-year absence from the Jungle when he begins his second spell with them against Catalans Dragons at the Jungle on Sunday.
Powell, who arrived at the Tigers in May 2013 too late to prevent Chase making the move to Salford, said moves to bring him back were sparked by a series of text messages he exchanged with the player on the way back from the club's Challenge Cup defeat at Wigan last month.
"He mentioned he was getting itchy feet and, looking at our situation, I couldn't see a reason why we couldn't make it happen if he was in the right place," Powell said.
"I had a decent chat with him and spoke to the senior players to make sure it fits. Rangi is a good kid. I know a lot of people at different times in his career have misunderstood him but I've worked closely with him and I know what he's like and I know what he can do.
"I think the added maturity that he has now will really help."
Chase never settled at Salford or Leigh and went through a public fall-out with England coach Steve McNamara after being dropped for the 2013 World Cup semi-final but Powell is not concerned by the player's chequered past.
"I don't see that as a problem," Powell said. "I've worked with him before so I know him and he knows the club.
"When I came to the club he was looking to get away but he was really committed during my time here and now he's back where he played his best rugby league.
"He looks pretty good mentally to me. I think maturity does a lot for you.
"He's a talented player, there is no question about that, it's about how quickly we can get him back to playing his best rugby league.
"It's an interesting story and he could certainly write some special memories here over the next few years. I'm pretty convinced he'll be a success story."
Chase, now 30, has been recruited to fill the void created by the season-ending foot injury sustained by Ben Roberts and, according to Powell, he can expect a favourable reaction from the Tigers fans on Sunday.
"I think it will be mixed," Powell said. "There were quite a few people disappointed when he left and the manner of it but that soon gets put behind you when you put some miles on the clock in terms of effort and desire for the team.
"I think the vast majority will welcome him back with open arms."
Powell, whose side need one win from their last three games to clinch a top-eight spot, admits expectations will be high but insists he will not be putting any pressure on Chase to perform from the start.
"He's not got to expect miracles from himself either," Powell said. "He's got to build his game and people have got to understand where he's at and I think they will.
"There's no lack of patience, certainly from me."
