Lo is heading for the heights

ONE of the joys of World Cups is the chance to see some of the budding stars who have previously gone under the radar.

Garry Lo doesn’t quite fit into that category because he’s been strutting some impressive stuff in the Championship.

Over the last two seasons, the Papua New Guinea winger has ripped in for 50 tries for Sheffield Eagles – 38 this year alone.

But the Kumuls’ 50-6 win over Wales last weekend brought the explosive flier to the attention of a much wider audience. And licking their lips more than most, at the chance to see more of him, are Castleford Tigers fans. The Grand Finalists made a canny move by signing him on a two-year deal before the World Cup started. It stopped any other clubs from making a move once they saw exactly what he is promising on the world stage. It also gives the Tigers a new string to their already successful attacking bow for next season. Lo, who was 24 yesterday, is stocky, powerful, very quick and loves to bulldoze his way past opponents if necessary.

There will be plenty of envious eyes from rival supporters on Sunday when Lo and Co take on Ireland in the World Cup. CHAMPIONS Leeds will play two Super League games at Elland Road next season while Headingley is redeveloped, with old boy Danny McGuire’s Hull KR the first visitors on February 8.

All televised Thursday and Friday night matches will have an earlier kick-off time of 7.45pm.