Saturday 27 June 2015 12:04, UK
Castleford have signed former Hull centre Ben Crooks from NRL side Parramatta Eels for the 2016 season.
The 23-year-old son of former Castleford favourite Lee Crooks will return to his hometown club having struggled to make his mark in Australia.
He said: "Joining Parramatta Eels was designed to improve my skills and mature me both as a player and a person in the highest quality environment in world rugby league, while experiencing a new independent and memorable lifestyle," said Crooks.
"Even though I have not yet managed to break through and play in the NRL, I believe I have achieved my goals in my career development and will return to Super League a better player for the experience,
"I have loved by time at Parramatta and thank everyone for their guidance and support.
"We have had talks with a handful of Super League clubs, including a return to Hull FC.
"Castleford Tigers are my hometown club who made a determined effort to sign me both now and when I first turned professional, and I am anticipating an exciting new chapter in my career.
"The Tigers have made massive strides on and off the field in the past two years and I am looking forward to working with Daryl Powell, who has a proven track record of bringing out the best in players and thus fulfilling their potential."
