Huddersfield Rugby Union Club utility back Charlie Martin could line up against the Huddersfield Giants in tomorrow’s pre-season clash at Bradford Bulls.
The 22-year-old former Castleford Tigers Super League centre is spending two weeks on trial with the Bulls in a bid to earn a full-time Kingstone Press Championship contract.
Martin has taken a fortnight’s holiday from his job at the City & Guilds in Wakefield in order to pursue a return to the professional game, and there’s a chance he could double-up this weekend by playing for Huddersfield in today’s National II North home clash against Leicester Lions before moving on to Odsal 24 hours later.
Although Martin is enjoying his time at Lockwood Park and was the rugby union club’s Player of the Month for September after just four senior competitive appearances, he’s made no secret of his desire to return to the 13-a-side code if the right offer comes along.
He made six Super League appearances for Castleford in 2013 but was released in March 2014.
During his time at Wheldon Road, he had stints in the Championship at Keighley Cougars and Featherstone Rovers, and also had a spell at Batley Bulldogs last season before switching codes and joining Huddersfield last autumn.
The 6ft 1in, 96kg Martin was with the Bulls squad for last weekend’s friendly at Castleford and if he gets the chance to test himself against the Giants and earns a Bradford deal in the process, Huddersfield player-coach Gareth Lewis has admitted he would go with the club’s full blessing.
“Charlie’s been good for us in the time he’s been here,” said Lewis.
“But if his trial is successful and Bradford offer him something, we certainly wouldn’t stand in his way.
“On the other hand, if things don’t work out then he knows we’ll be delighted to keep him here.
“And in the very short term, there’s a slight chance he could play for us this afternoon and play for the Bulls tomorrow.”
