Ultimate team man Millington commits to the Tigers

GRANT MILLINGTON certainly did not arrive in Super League with as much fanfare as an Andrew Johns, Trent Barrett or a Steve Menzies when he joined Castleford Tigers in 2012.

Indeed, many Tigers fans may well have Googled his name to see just who exactly was heading their way from NRL outfit Canterbury Bulldogs.

However, the Australian prop, who has extended his deal until 2020, must surely be one of the best-value overseas recruits in the summer era.

Undoubtedly, Millington has become one of the most integral, consistent and well-respected members of Daryl Powell’s squad who won the League Leaders’ Shield for the first time in the club’s 91-year history last week.

A ball-handling prop who brings such enterprise, Millington is similarly an excellent defender and one of the side’s vocal leaders.

Millington will be 34 when his new deal expires so the exCronulla Shark could actually finish his career at Tigers.

“It’s home for us. I don’t think I’d be able to play for another so this will be the only club I stay at until I go back,” he said.

“It was a totally different club when I started here. It’s fantastic and transformed on and off the pitch. I’m proud to be a part of how that’s happened.”

Millington has scored 24 tries in 152 games for Tigers who are seeking a first league title.

Powell said: “Grant’s been outstanding again this season and I’m delighted he’s extended.

“His skill sets are second to none as a front-row and he’s been integral in the way we’ve played the last few years.

“I’m confident he’ll continue to improve and drive standards.”

Warrington have signed Penrith Panthers prop Sitaleki Akauola, 25, on a two-year deal.