FORMER Giants prop Paul Jackson is desperate to claim a victory for Castleford Tigers tonight – even though it means inflicting misery on the club that will always remain close to his heart.

The vastly-experienced 31-year-old front-row forward makes a first return to the Galpharm since moving to The Jungle for the start of this season.

That brought the curtain down on a highly-successful five years at the Giants, which included two Challenge Cup finals.

Jackson also began his professional career in Huddersfield’s Academy side before moving on to Castleford (for a first time) and Wakefield.

But even though the Giants mean so much to him, Castleford’s current plight will ensure Jackson will go into tonight’s contest with no divided loyalties.

With a catalogue of injuries to senior players, the Tigers are struggling to make a meaningful impact and Jackson knows he has to do everything within his power to help try and turn those fortunes around.

“I’m sure tonight will be a bit emotional. I absolutely loved my time at Huddersfield,” said Jackson.

“But that will count for absolutely nothing tonight. I’m now a Castleford player, I’m enjoying my time here and all that matters is helping us win, whoever the opposition is.

“And right now we need to start winning as quickly as we can.

“We’re going through a very tough spell at the moment, and we’re really struggling on the injury front. It’s a case of all hands on deck.

“To be honest, it’s not a pleasant experience at all, and we’re all desperate to make sure it ends as quickly as it can.

“Hopefully, that will start tonight, even though it is against a club that will always be very close to me heart.”

Jackson is the first to accept it’s not going to be easy, however.

Although he’s no longer wearing the claret and gold, he keeps a very close eye on the Giants’ results and is still in regular contact with many of his former teammates.

And he knows Monday’s shock 30-18 defeat at Salford is no reflection on the Giants’ true ability.

“I was as surprised as anyone with that result,” he added.

“They’ve started the season very strongly, and I’m as delighted as anyone about that.

“I also know how much the boys are enjoying themselves again under Browny this year, which is also no surprise.

“In fact, I still meet up regularly with a lot of them for a coffee. I’m in touch with Eorl Crabtree and Andy Raleigh all the time.

“Even though we played against each other in a trial game a few months ago, I know it’s still going to seem a bit strange when I face them on a Super League field for the first time.

“And I also think we all still realise that when we face each other head-on, the fact we’re such close mates won’t make the slightest bit of difference. For 80 minutes they’re the enemy. Full stop.”