BETFRED SUPER LEAGUE FOSTER’S INKING BIG

Cas star mixing match-winning displays with learning to be a TATTOO ARTIST

ALEX FOSTER is a bit of an artist on the quiet but there’s nothing still-life about his performances.

Foster has become Castleford’s ‘Mr Versatile’ this season even if it’s meant brushing up on a few new positions.

Away from the action, Tigers’ only tryscorer in last season’s Grand Final defeat to Leeds, attends college, training to become a tattoo artist.

“I loved art at school and took it as one of my A Levels,“said Gloucester-born Foster, ahead of tomorrow’s home date with struggling Salford.

“I was close to doing it at university as well but it is difficult to make money as an artist. I have let it lapse recently but I still have all the paints and brushes at home.

“But I love tattoos and I am doing a 12-month course in Huddersfield.

“I guess it goes back to my love of art and design.

“I’m not up to the stage yet though where they let me loose on inking people.”

Foster has been a good call since Cas boss Daryl Powell snapped him up from Bradford at the start of 2017 after the former Super League kings went into liquidation.

He has appeared in Tigers’ last two wins against Widnes and Hull FC after starting the year at Halifax as part of the clubs’ dual registration scheme.

“Against Hull I started at prop and ended up on the wing,” he recalled.

“I don’t know if anyone has ever done that before, but I am happy to do that.

“If the team needs someone to fill in any position on the field, I feel I can do a good job and help them out.”

DENIS BETTS has left his job as England’s assistant coach in a backroom reshuffle by boss Wayne Bennett.

Paul Wellens (assistant) and Jamie Peacock (team manager) stay in their posts while Chris Black comes in as human performance lead.

RFL Rugby Director Kevin Sinfield said: “Wayne likes to freshen up his coaching team and has consistently done this wherever he has been.

“Denis has done an outstanding job over the last two years and his contribution should not be underestimated.”