CHAMBERS TO SIGN FOR TIGERS
Disgraced athlete Dwaine Chambers is set to start a career in Rugby Leagueeague with Super League side Castleford Tigers.
Chambers, who turns 30 this Saturday, is set to be unveiled by the Super League basement club on a one-month trial, with a view to a full-time one-year contract worth a reported £60,000.
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The sprinter, who controversially won silver in the world indoor championships in Valencia three weeks ago, was banned from sport for two years in 2003 after testing positive for the banned steroid THG (Tetrahydrogestrinone). That ban has since ended, but IOC regulations still prevent Chambers from competiting in the Olympic games - a ruling that he is still expected to contest.
Following the ban, Chambers tried unsuccessfully to carve out a career in American Football in the now-defunct NFL Europa before making a brief return to athletics this year.
Castleford, who earned promotion to the Super League last season, are currently rooted to the foot of the table with just one win from their first nine outings although they insist that the move is not a publicity stunt.
"Whatever the outcome of the trial, which we believe
can be successful, we gain from his time with us," said Tigers football
manager Michael Robinson.
"It won't impact upon any plans that we have to
strengthen the side with established players, should they become available.
"Obviously we are well aware of Dwain's background and
we gave the whole situation a great deal of thought.
"However, like people in our own sport, he has been punished and taken that punishment. That is now behind him and he is serious about trying to make the grade in Rugby Leagueeague and he clearly already has the pace," he added.
Chambers has also denied that the move is a PR exercise, claiming that he is fully aware of how physically demanding the sport is.
"I'm not doing this for a laugh — I know how badly you
can be hurt in Rugby Leagueeague but I'm ready," Chambers told the News of the
World.
"I experienced American football last year and am fully aware of just how violent contact sports can be.
"Both Castleford and I are keen for this to work."
However, Castleford head coach Terry Matterson seemed to be in the dark over the move after yesterday's 50-4 defeat at Bradford.
"I don't know much about it. I haven't dealt with it at
all," said Matterson.
"All I'm worried about is the team and, to be honest,
that hasn't got a hell of a lot to do with me.
"I'm dealing with the footy team at the moment. I know a little bit about him but I'd rather not comment on it, to be honest."
The Rugby Football League have ratified the move which is expected to be made official on Monday, although it is believed that Chambers would have to undergo an enhanced programme of drugs testing given his background.
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