Castleford complete Aussie double signing
Ned Catic is known to Super League fans after playing for Wakefield
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Thursday, 24, Apr 2008 01:34
Castleford Tigers have boosted the options in their injury-hit squad by completing the signings of Brendan Hlad and Ned Catic.
Hlad, 21, who can play in the back row or at prop, joins the newly-promoted side from Penrith Panthers.
And former Wakefield Wildcat Catic, who is still awaiting a work permit to complete his move, will join as soon as he is given the green light by the Home Office - having already completed his season with French side Lyon.
Hlad could be in line to make his debut for the Tigers this Saturday, as he is a British passport holder and as a result does not need international clearance.
"This is a big opportunity for me and a great chance to help the Tigers," Hlad said of his move.
Castleford football manager Michael Robinson added that Hlad, who is yet to play a first-grade match in rugby league after coming through the youth ranks at Newcastle Knights in the National League, is "very keen" to make his mark in the senior side.
"There is a lot of competition at the Panthers and that has enabled us to secure his release," Robinson explained.
"He is a real hard-working player and we feel that given this opportunity he will do a great job for us.
"With Ned, we have agreed a deal but because of the paperwork and the permit situation, that can't be completed by the weekend.
"But we hope that he will be available for the Millennium Magic game against his former club Wakefield."
Catic, 29, said he is "looking forward" to returning to Super League after leaving the Wildcats in 2006.
"I'm ready to go after just finishing a spell playing in France and possibly a debut against the Wildcats," he said.
"I know that there are only four months of the season left but I am looking forward to making an impact."