CASTLEFORD TIGERS’ assistant coach Scott Murrell is hopeful new signing Jimmy Beckett can take the same path as Alex Walmlsey following a good showing in pre-season.
Beckett only signed from Featherstone Rovers at the start of January, but the 26-year-old has made a big impression at The Jungle so far.
Having made over 140 appearances across the lower tiers of rugby league, Beckett has been given a full-time chance by Castleford for the first time.
And Beckett has been lauded by Murrell following his strong showing in the Tigers’ 26-10 win over Leeds Rhinos in pre-season.
“I thought Jimmy Beckett was outstanding,” Murrell said.
“He’s only been with us for a few weeks and he led for those young boys, guiding them around the field.
“I thought he stood up really well today, he carried the ball strong.”
Murrell himself is somewhat of a legend in the Championship, having made over 400 appearances for the likes of Halifax Panthers and Keighley Cougars.
And the 40-year-old believes that, with hard work being applied, Beckett can follow in the footsteps of Walmsley and James Harrison in making the step up from the second to the first tier.
“For those that don’t know, the Championship is a really tough division,” Murrell continued.
“Alex Walmsley came through at Batley and went on to play for England and Great Britain, and James Harrison has done the same (playing for England).
“This is the first time that Jimmy has been in a full-time environment, and the hope is that he can work hard and replicate those guys, he’ll keep progressing.”