BATLEY BULLDOGS have taken Castleford Tigers prop Jimmy Beckett on a one-month loan.

The 26-year-old is well-known to Fox’s Biscuits Stadium boss James Ford, who coached him at Featherstone Rovers.

That was a second Featherstone spell for Beckett, who started his senior career there after being released from the Castleford Tigers development system.

He was initially with Featherstone from 2019 to 2021, then had two-and-a-half seasons at Batley’s neighbours Dewsbury Rams before his Rovers return.

Beckett, who was rated one of the best frontrowers in the second tier, joined Super League Castleford in January after Featherstone’s financial problems had made their players free agents.

Director of rugby Chris Chester said: “Jimmy works hard on both sides of the ball and we’re confident he will play a big part at the Tigers in the next few years.”

However he has so far struggled to tie down a regular first-term berth, making just three appearances while having previous loan stints at Goole Vikings and Sheffield Eagles.

Now he will aim to make in impact at Batley, who said: “Jimmy will add significant power and proven experience to the forward pack.”

Ford’s side head to Goole on Saturday.