Castleford Tigers give former British Army and Harlequins rugby union prospect chance to impress

The 24-year-old is a Lance Corporal in 3 Para, but has been granted a temporary release from active service and began training with Tigers at the start of pre-season last week.

Wheeldon featured for British Army before joining Quins on a short-term contract in September, 2019 as cover for Leeds-born Danny Care.

He was released by the London club last summer and is now looking for an opportunity in rugby league.

Wheeldon, who was born in Bridlington, said: “This is my eighth year in the army, I played for the army rugby union first team, so I’ve always been a union-dominant player.

“I’ve played in high-end games like Army versus Navy and obviously got poached for Harlequins from there.”

The Yorkshireman has no experience in the 13-a-side code, but added: “I’ve always wanted to try playing rugby league and I got quite friendly with Sean Long [former Harlequins assistant-coach who is now at Leeds Rhinos] when he was down there.

“I got chatting to him about it and then put the feelers out there through my agent and then an opportunity came up for a trial with Cas after Daryl [Powell, Tigers’ team boss] showed interest.”

Powell is keen to see what Wheeldon can do in a full-time rugby league environment.

“He’s got a great attitude and he’s been in the army so he’s a tough kid,” he said.

“Getting used to the nuances of rugby league in the first couple of weeks is important for him, but I just think it is important to have a look at him and see how he goes.

“Obviously, he is not going to be able to play this month, but we get to have a good look at him and it gives him an opportunity to pick up all the little bits of rugby league.”

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