Powell has Turner in mind as a half-back solution

CASTLEFORD TIGERS boss Daryl Powell has no initial plans to recruit a half-back to replace departed Jamie Ellis – but could have a new one already within the club.

Ex-Huddersfield Giants player Ellis joined Hull KR on a one-year deal last week as part of some late business between the Super League clubs.

With Castleford having bought England Knights star Danny Richardson from champions St Helens to form a new partnership with Jake Trueman, Powell was confident they could afford to let the 30-year-old go even though England scrum-half Luke Gale has also been sold to Leeds Rhinos.

Tigers may seem short of half-back cover although they do have Jordan Rankin and Peter Mata’utia – both vying for the full-back role in 2020 – available to slot in if needed.

However, Powell has also suggested another alternative – young, homegrown full-back Calum Turner.

“I don’t think there has been a year while I have been at the club that it hasn’t evolved at some point,” he said, in terms of recruitment. “With Jamie leaving, it frees up a little bit of space in the cap.

“We have got some young players there that I would like to give an opportunity to. Calum Turner has played at full-back but we will give him a chance at half-back and see how he goes.

“If he can get himself through then we have got three really exciting British half-backs there.” ■ Huddersfield Giants, Halifax and Hunslet are teaming up in a ground-breaking partnership which will see them field a joint Reserve Grade team.

The three-year deal sees Super League side Huddersfield, Championship club Halifax and League 1 outfit Hunslet share players and best practice as they aim to deliver the RFL’s new player pathway in a unique way.

The side will run out under the Giants branding, as dictated by RFL rules, but is expected to feature players from all three clubs when the season commences in early February.