SEMI VALEMEI won’t debut for Castleford Tigers against St Helens on Saturday, head coach Ryan Carr has confirmed.
Valemei was included in the Castleford 21-man squad for the first time this season following an injury-hit start to his Tigers career.
However, the outside back is still a week away from being considered for selection.
“Semi Valemei is close but he probably won’t play. He is perhaps one week away,” Carr said.
“It’s always a temptation to rush him in but we need to make sure once he’s in that team that he is in for good.”
However, there could be a potential second appearance for fellow new recruit Brock Greacen.
Greacen hasn’t played since Castleford’s Challenge Cup third-round win over Doncaster.
Carr said: “Brock has a chance, he is ticking all the boxes there. If he gets through the captain’s run then he should be available for selection.
“He brings a lot of energy, he works and competes really hard and that’s the player and person he is.
“Brock brings good leg speed and good aggression to the game. He’s got that old-school rugby player about him which is something every team needs.
“He has a lot of strengths and attributes that will benefit us for sure.”