Exclusive:
England Knights prop, 26, has surprisingly been moved out on loan to Castleford Tigers but he's vowed to prove his worth to Huddersfield boss Ian Watson
Out-of-favour Huddersfield prop Matty English insists there’s no hard feelings as he starts a two-week loan spell with Castleford.
The England Knights forward, 26, hasn’t played since last month’s dismal Challenge Cup semi-final defeat to Warrington. He was dropped by Giants boss Ian Watson along with ex-Great Britain star Jake Connor who could also be set for a move out. English, who debuts against champions Wigan on Friday, admitted: “It did come as a bit of a shock not to be selected.
“We weren’t great in that game. It wasn’t a good performance. But personally I thought I worked hard. I was high up in the effort stakes. Defensively I was a little bit loose.
"But you have to respect Watto's decision. He’s the head coach. That’s what he gets paid to do. There’s no bitterness and no falling out or anything. And it’s just nice to get a new opportunity here at Cas.”
English has spent his entire career with Huddersfield, making more than 100 appearances, and only signed a new three-year deal last March. Having established himself as one of their senior players, featuring in the Challenge Cup final two years ago, it’s been a long time since he went out on loan anywhere. English recalled: “I made my debut for Giants in the Challenge Cup and then went out for five games on loan with Dewsbury once but we’re talking six years ago.
“It’s been a while. But this came about on Tuesday. Watto told me I wasn’t in his plans again for this week. I just said, with the international break, it’s coming up to a month without any rugby. No disrespect I don’t really want to play reserves: I want to be in Super League testing myself.
“I said my only other option was to go out on loan. He agreed and it all happened really quickly. My agent was a bit shocked but funnily enough he’d had a call from Cas who were desperate for some middles. He told me to have a think and I realised I just had to be playing. It was a no-brainer.”
Castleford, with just three wins this season, will hope to catch Challenge Cup winners Wigan still hungover from Saturday’s Wembley glory. But English insisted: “We’ve spoken about expecting the best Wigan side there is. Look at their squad and they still look like a Wigan team looking to get a job done.
“We need to meet fire with fire and go after them. The funny thing with Cas is they can beat anyone at home. With the dimensions of the field and it being a hostile place to go, when Cas turn it on, they can really turn it on. Hopefully we do on Friday.”
Asked about Watson’s decision to axe him from the side, English said: “He dropped me the week after against Leigh and said Chris Hill’s back and, with losing a couple of back-rowers and players playing out of position, he’d probably have to go with another back-rower on the bench so I’m going to miss out.
“I kind of understood that. I took it on the chin and the week after [against Hull] I didn’t get picked again. It’s been a while since I had a game. Unfortunately, it’s not at the Giants but if I’m not in the plan, I’m not in the plan. I have to respect that decision but I just need to be playing: I’m 26 now. I’m not a young kid. I’m hoping to get in my prime these next couple of players and I won’t do that if I’m not playing.”
English, who was called into the England squad three years ago, said: “I’m really excited about the opportunity to play at Cas. It’s quite local for me because I was a Wakey lad growing up and played a few cup finals at The Jungle as a kid. It was nice to be back there this morning. I played for Stanley there and also a lot of school cup finals with Outwood Grange were at The Jungle or Lock Lane around the corner.
“I played for England Knights there, too, and it’s just nice to be in that home dressing room rather than the away one because it’s significantly bigger! I'm looking forward to the game."
