Last updated at 12:54, Thursday, 09 August 2012

Whitehaven winger Chris Fleming has joined Super League Castleford Tigers on trial.

Chris Fleming

Fleming touched down in Haven’s opening three games of the season before suffering a nasty shoulder injury which kept him out of contention for over five months.

But he is now available and ready to stake his claim with the Tigers’ Under-20s.

“It’s a trial, to see if I can earn something for next season,” Fleming said. “There are four games left in the 20s’ season, and if they win them all they’ll get in the play-offs.

“I trained with the lads on Tuesday night and everything seemed great. It will help me a lot if they can get in the play-offs as it will give me longer to impress. I’m going to work hard to get something.”

He returned to fitness ahead of Haven’s trip to Barrow three weeks ago, but coach Don Gailer opted to keep faith with Loz Hamzat, who has been working hard on his defence this season.

Fleming has left Haven on good terms, however, and revealed he had been advised to get back in touch if it did not work out for him with the Tigers.

“I wish the lads all the best for the end of season and hope they get promoted,” the flyer added. “They have wished me all the best and hope I’m successful at Castleford.”

Gailer said: “He’s ready to play and I hope it goes really well for him.”

Meanwhile, Stephen Fox is unlikely to be risked when Haven bid for promotion against Gateshead Thunder at the Recre on Sunday.

The centre/second-row damaged his ankle in last weekend’s win over top four rivals Doncaster, which saw Haven edge to within two points of moving up to the Championship.

“Foxy was still limping pretty badly on Monday night and it’s more than likely we’ll give him a rest this week and give Bradd Crellin a run,” Gailer said.

“Both are good in defence, and Bradd has been busting himself in training to get a run. He will be raring to go.

“Foxy knew straight away his ankle was gone, and so did the physio. We still have quite a few games to go and didn’t want to risk any more damage.

“It’s not a bone problem but ankles are still horrible when they start going wrong.”

First published at 11:30, Thursday, 09 August 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk