Castleford Tigers sign forward Martin Aspinwall

Aspinwall left the Giants at the end of the 2010 season

Castleford Tigers have signed former Huddersfield Giants second row forward Martin Aspinwall on a one-year deal.

The 29-year-old, who started his career with hometown club Wigan, left the Giants at the end of last season after five years at the Galpharm Stadium.

Aspinwall is Castleford's sixth signing of the close season.

Teenage prop Jonathan Walker, 19, has also committed his future to the Tigers after signing a new two-year contract at The Jungle.

Aspinwall's arrival at the club follows the captures of Richie Mathers, from Warrington, Danny Orr, from Harlequins, Nick Youngquest, from Crusaders, and St Helens duo Nick Fozzard and Jacob Emmitt.

"I'm happy to join the Tigers," said Aspinwall, whose 2010 season was cut short by a shoulder injury. "They are what I call a proper rugby league club with great tradition and I'm really looking forward to getting started.

"There are some very skilful players at the club who can score a lot of points and I think there is a lot of potential here.

"They were unlucky not to make the play-offs last season and there's a lot of focus on making sure we make the 'eight' this year. I'm excited about being a part of that."

Playing for this club is where my heart is

Castleford prop Jonathan Walker

Aspinwall was capped by Great Britain as a winger, but was converted into a forward by the Giants.

"I've been playing in the back row for approximately 18 months now and I had a really good pre-season last year where I got comfortable with the position," he added.

"I was going well and feeling good until I injured my shoulder and that was the end of the season for me.

"I'm fit again now and I can't wait to get back into it. I've only signed a one-year deal and I'm going to do all I can to get an extended contract with the club."

Prop Walker made seven substitute appearances for the Tigers last season, with his form attracting the interest of other clubs.

He said: "I always wanted to stay at the Tigers. It is where I have worked so hard through the academy ranks to earn my place in the first team and it is where I feel I can also meet my ambitions of playing for England.

"The interest from other clubs was very flattering, but I know this is a place where I can develop to my full potential. Playing for this club is where my heart is."

Coach Terry Matterson added: "Jonny's signing is a huge coup for the club. He was very heavily sought after and to have finally tied him up for at least the next two years is a massive boost for the Castleford Tigers."