RYAN HUDSON has already been confirmed as a starter for Castleford Tigers in his side’s pre-season clash against former club Huddersfield at the PROBIZ Stadium next Friday night.
The 32-year-old hooker missed his side’s 28-18 Boxing Day triumph at home to Bradford Bulls because of injury.
That came as a big disappointment to Tigers fans, who had expected both Hudson and full-back Richie Owen to play against the Bulls and then found out they had been withdrawn at the last minute.
But new Castleford coach Ian Millward has promised Hudson will be included in the team to take on the Giants in nine days’ time, although a question mark now hangs over the appearance of Owen, who has become the subject of an internal disciplinary club hearing.
“Ryan Hudson had a cyst taken out of his head, but he will be okay for the game against the Giants,” confirmed Millward.
“It was a pretty nasty cyst, and we were told he should avoid contact, so there was no point in him being selected for the game against Bradford.
“And Richie Owen has a back injury, but all being well he’ll be back in action within a couple of weeks, so he’ll also be ready for the Huddersfield game on January 13.”
The 21-year-old Owen will face club officials later today, with the possibility of picking up a suspension one of the possible outcomes if he’s found guilty.
In a statement, the club said: “Castleford Tigers have called an internal hearing to address disciplinary issues relating to first-team player Richard Owen.
“The hearing will take place with club officials, the player and his agent. No further comment will be made until the matter is resolved.”
Although Hudson missed the Bradford clash, there were plenty of other ex-Giants in the Castleford ranks in Josh Griffin, Steve Snitch and Stuart Jones.
All four are in line to face the Giants, along with another Huddersfield man, Paul Jackson.
