Castleford Tigers sign Mariano from rivals

Mariano is joining the Tigers on a one-year contract after his deal with the Wildcats expires at the end of the current season.

The 26-year-old Hull KR academy product made his debut for the Robins on his 22nd birthday in 2009. He joined Wakefield at the end of 2010 and has gone on to make 46 Super League appearances, scoring 14 tries.

Mariano played under Tigers boss Daryl Powell in a loan spell with Featherstone Rovers this season – scoring five tries in five appearances – and is looking forward to linking up with Powell again.

He said: “I know Daryl from being at Featherstone and it will be good to work with him again. I feel comfortable talking to him and having worked with him already I don’t class him as a new person so that was a big part of the move.

“It feels good to sign for Castleford Tigers – hopefully I will have a really good season next year and it should be fun.

“I will be fighting to earn a longer contract, but I will be focussing on playing, getting game time and finding some consistency.

“Fans can expect hard work and dedication from me and I’ll certainly be trying my best not to let them down.

“For now, though, all my concentration will be on doing a good job for the remainder of this season with Wakefield, but come 2014 then I’ll give everything I’ve got for Castleford Tigers.”

Head coach Powell said: “Frankie is a big and athletic back rower who can punch holes in opposition defences. He is versatile as well with a strong ability to play in the centre equally effectively.

“His addition for next year brings size and experience to the squad and further enhances the competition for places in our forward pack.”