ALEX SHAW is set to play his last game of rugby when YMCA entertain Castleford in what is their final game of the Yorkshire I season tomorrow at Laund Hill (3.00).

The experienced back – who has hardly reached the ‘veteran’ stage – has decided that now is the time to call a halt to what has been a notable career with both Huddersfield RU, and in recent years at the YM.

Principally a winger or full-back, Shaw (pictured) has found it increasing difficult to fit in rugby commitments around an increased workload, so will play his last-ever game tomorrow before retiring.

And like coach Jody Shaw (no relation), Alex wants to bring the curtain down on what has been a ‘testing’ season on a high note against Castleford.

With injuries still biting hard at Laund Hill, and their position in Yorkshire I now safe, selectors have opted to give a run-out to second teamer Andy Appleyard in the second row, and have included other second teamers on the bench alongside skipper Mark Whitehead, who is still nursing a long-standing shoulder problem.

Corey Rhodes, Tom Stafford and Harry Scholes could all get a bench place, depending on late fitness checks.

YMCA: Clarke; Bullock, Beever, Shaw, Tindall; Smith, Marshall, Gent, Murphy, Ste Dyke, Housley, Appleby, Hill, Leone-Mazza, Neilly. Subs (from): Whitehead, Rhodes, Emsley, Stafford, Scholes.