Castleford Tigers are on the brink of offering a lifeline to former York Wasps star Jamie Benn.

A TIGER AGAIN: Jamie Benn may get a chance at Wheldon Road

The Super League club for whom Benn played before joining York are trying to get in contact with a view to taking him back on board.

But the 22-year-old would have to be prepared to step back down to the Alliance side and undergo a weights programme to prepare for the rigours of Super League.

Tigers assistant coach Graham Steadman, also a former York player, confirmed their interest in Benn, who is currently playing with amateurs Castleford Panthers.

He said: "We have not been in contact with Jamie but we've heard he's been released by York and he has made it known he would like to come back to Castleford.

"I have been trying to contact Jamie for the last three days. The door is always open for him at Castleford.

"We would definitely be interested in him with a view to playing in the Alliance side.

"We felt at Super League level it's a different standard to the NFP and physically he wasn't up to it, although he's got all the skills.

"We're hoping, if we can get him on board, to get him on a weights programme in the next six months which is something he's never really done. If he can put a bit of size on him then he'll be much stronger."

Benn was one of York's key players last season, earning rave reviews and making the full-back role his own.

As well as breaking club goal-kicking records, his strong defence and exciting attacking play resulted in a nomination for the NFP Young Player of the Year award and a place in the East of Pennines team.

He also attracted the attention of Hull FC and Hull KR, but both those moves fell through and, after failing to agree terms with the Wasps, has been playing for the Panthers in the National Conference second division.

Now he could be on his way back to their professional neighbours for whom he played three Super League games in 1998 before joining York.

Steadman insisted he would not figure in the first team in the forthcoming season, but would be in contention in the future if he could bulk up.

"We have monitored his progress at York and have been impressed with what we've seen.

"He had a very strong game against us in the Challenge Cup and was consistent last season so we know what he can do," said Steadman, adding it would be a big loss to York.

Another ex-York player could also be on his way back to Wheldon Road.

Richard Goddard, released by the Wasps at the end of the season, will be trialling with the Tigers in their two Christmas friendlies against Wakefield Trinity Wildcats and Leeds Rhinos.

Steadman revealed Goddard, Salford's Carl Briggs and Castleford Under-21 player Craig Wright would be vying for the two remaining places in the Tigers 2000 Super League squad.

Like Benn, Goddard played for Castleford before joining York last season but spent much of the 1998 campaign on loan at Hunslet.

Steadman said: "He has loads of ability. Now he has a family and more responsibilities at home and is looking for a second chance.

"He has to show what he can offer on a more consistent level. He can be a more than useful acquisition. He's versatile and has experienced Super League football.

"It's up to him. We still have two spots available and three players trialling. Everything will be judged on the games against Wakefield and Leeds."

Head coach Stuart Raper, currently in Australia, will make the final decision early in the new year.

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