Bradford Bulls benefit as Castleford Tigers bolster ranks by signing Kevin Larroyer

The player, 27, starts training with Castleford today having spent the last five months in limbo.

Larroyer had spent the previous three seasons with Hull KR but saw his contract left null and void following their relegation.

He has struggled to find a new club and had been training with Hull FC to keep up his fitness level.

The Challenge Cup holders had no salary cap space to offer him a deal but Castleford do.

Tigers coach Daryl Powell said: “Kevin will add depth to our squad while we still have Larne Patrick and Oliver Holmes out injured.

“He is a player who is proven at Super League level and did a really good job for Hull KR.

“He can play in the back row and in the middle unit as well which gives us some real depth and competition for places, which will be really valuable as we move into the Easter period.”

Larroyer has joined Bradford on a month’s loan, bringing some much-needed experience to their ranks after the ravages of liquidation, but will continue to train with Castleford.

Tigers, meanwhile, have an option to extend his 12-month deal by a further two years.

Larroyer, who played in the 2015 Challenge Cup final with Rovers, said: “I’m absolutely delighted to sign for Castleford.

“To be part of this squad and this club is an honour.

“I’ve played at the Jungle a few times against Castleford and I’ve always thought the fans and the atmosphere were amazing.

Larroyer could debut for Bradford - who have lost both their opening Championship games so far - in Sunday’s game at Swinton Lions.

Meanwhile, Hull FC half-back Albert Kelly and Castleford hooker Paul McShane have both received one-game bans.

Kelly was charged by the RFL’s match review panel with a high tackle on Wakefield Trinity’s Matty Ashurst while McShane made a dangerous throw on Leigh prop Gareth Hock.

Both took early-guilty pleas and will sit out their next fixture.