James Green has had somewhat of a hit and miss career so far. After bursting onto the scene as a Hull KR player, he has found himself on the end of two relegations in two seasons - one with Hull KR in 2016 and the other with Leigh Centurions in 2017. So then, the signing of Green by the Castleford Tigers' head coach Daryl Powell made a lot of supporters scratch their heads. But, it is a signing that could easily pay off.
Early life and career
James Green was born on November 20, 1990, in Beverley near Hull, but was brought up in Hull itself. Green played Rugby League from the age of seven, turning out for local side West Hull and then the Skirlaugh Bulls before he was snapped up by Hull KR in his late teens.
As a youngster, he had been noted for his aggressive running style and his ability to offload in awkward circumstances. Though he made his debut for the Robins in 2012, Green was shipped elsewhere on loan for the next two seasons. For example, the prop forward played nine games for Batley Bulldogs in 2013 as well as spending some time with Featherstone Rovers.
However, when finally given an opportunity by the Robins in 2014 at the somewhat mature age of 23, he made an instant impact. His performances impressed the then head coach Craig Sandercock so much that Green was given a two-year extension in May 2014.
From his debut season in 2014 where he made six appearances, Green went from strength to strength and played a key role in KR's 2015 season, appearing 27 times as the Robins reached the Challenge Cup Final for the first time since 1986.
Unfortunately for Green, he was the 18th man in what was a record-margin victory for Leeds Rhinos as KR went down 0-50.
Relegation and move to Leigh
Though Green played 20 times for Hull KR in 2016, he could do little about KR's relegation from the Super League. And, in an ironic move, the towering forward moved to the side that would replace KR in the top flight - Leigh Centurions.
Though a signing with plenty of potential, Green failed to hit his stride at the Lancashire club and played just nine times, whilst he also appeared twice for Sheffield Eagles.
With rumours of a fallout with the backroom staff and struggling greatly with a lack of match fitness, Green's future was up in the air despite him signing a two-year deal with the Centurions.
That was until the League Leaders' Shield winners, Castleford Tigers, came calling.
Move to Castleford
It must be said that Daryl Powell loves a challenge or two; he has transformed half-back Luke Gale into one of the best halves in the competition and Mike McMeeken from a kid with potential into a world-class star. Could Green be another one of Powell's prodigies that can turn their career around at the Tigers?
He is still only 27 years of age; therefore, as a prop, he has not yet reached his prime. His athletic frame offers something different to the Tigers whom already have barnstorming props Junior Moors, Grant Millington and Gadwin Springer to call on. At 6ft6 and 112kg, Green is a monstrous front-rower.
And, with a powerful attacking game and superb offload, as well as an aggressive defensive side to his game, the Tigers could well reap the rewards of a player that wants to settle down after recently turbulent times.
Green has signed just a one-year contract with the beaten Grand Finalists; as such, he will be hungry to earn a new deal and impress his new fans. With a point to prove following his recent disastrous experiences with Hull KR and Leigh, the prop forward could well hit the form of his career at Castleford.
