Monday 7 November 2016 17:08, UK
Castleford are allowing centre Ben Crooks to join Leigh on a season-long loan for 2017 which appears to pave the way for the capture of Zak Hardaker.
The 23-year-old Crooks joined the Tigers from NRL club Parramatta 12 months ago on a three-year contract and made 28 appearances for them in 2016.
He earlier enjoyed a breakthrough season with Hull in 2013 when he was named in the Super League Dream Team after scoring 20 tries in 22 games in a prolific partnership with winger Tom Lineham.
Crooks, son of former Hull and Castleford forward Lee Crooks, will join up with the promoted Centurions for pre-season training and is set to make his debut for them in the Betfred Super League round one game at Castleford on Friday, February 10.
Castleford coach Daryl Powell said: "Ben had a really solid first season with us last year and played a number of games in the first team.
"However, with the return to fitness of Michael Shenton and the emergence of Greg Minikin as a quality centre, I thought it was really important that Ben played consistent rugby league game time.
"This loan move gives him a great opportunity to do that at Leigh next season. I'm confident that Ben will continue to improve throughout the next Super League season and wish him all the best in 2017 at Leigh Centurions."
The move is expected to free up both a squad place and room in the Tigers' salary cap for Hardaker, who is thought to be close to completing his move from Leeds.
Huddersfield and Salford were also interested in signing the 2015 Man of Steel, who was transfer-listed by the Rhinos in the summer at an asking price of £300,000 and spent the last three months of the season on loan to Sydney club
Penrith.
