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Rugby League

Giants forward Jones joins Castleford Tigers

04/09/2008

Castleford Tigers have completed the signing of Huddersfield Giants back-row forward Stuart Jones on a one-year contract.

The 26-year-old, who started his career at Wigan in 2002, also played for St Helens in 2003 before moving to Huddersfield the following year.

Jones also has international experience, having been called up to the England squad in 2004 - making one appearance.

And Tigers coach Terry Matterson believes Jones' knowledge of the game will ensure he can help the rest of what is a relatively inexperienced squad to challenge for the playoff spots in Super League next season.

"I am very pleased to welcome Stuart on board," Matterson said.

"He has plenty of Super League experience but still relatively young with his best years ahead of him.

"He has initially agreed a one-year deal but I am expecting him to be determined to win a longer one.

"Stuart is a strong defender and runner with an outstanding work ethic and I feel that he will prove a very valuable addition to our pack which is beginning to look a strong unit as we build for 2009."

Jones commented: "I am very excited about the move. I have had five years with Huddersfield and it is time for a new challenge and a new experience.

"Castleford are a club with a lot of ambition, they have the licence and they are looking to move on to the next stage and get into the top six and I am looking forward to helping them to achieve that."

Jones is Castleford's first English signing for next season, having already secured the services of Dean Widders, Rangi Chase and Sione Faumuina to fill their overseas quota for 2009.

And Matterson said he expects to add more homegrown names to his roster "in the coming weeks".