WATCH: Winger Eden quick to extend Tigers contract

Last season’s Super League top try-scorer has been out since February 24 with a hamstring issue but is ready for Sunday’s derby at Huddersfield Giants.

Eden, who Castleford yesterday announced had agreed a new contract until the end of 2021, has a lot to thank their West Yorkshire rivals for.

“It was my breakthrough year really, when I played for Huddersfield,” he recalled, about the 2012 campaign.

“I left Castleford in the Under-20s to sign full-time for Huddersfield, which was a bit of a gamble really.

“I didn’t expect to play any games at all, but ended up playing every game of the season at full-back. I enjoyed my time there.”

After scoring 13 tries in 27 games, he went on to spend three years at Hull KR before moving to Brisbane Broncos for two campaigns, Castleford re-signing him ahead of last season.

In-form Eden crossed 41 times for the club as they won the League Leaders’ Shield for the first time and reached a maiden Grand Final.

The 27-year-old earned Dream Team recognition and admitted he didn’t think twice about signing the new deal.

“It was pretty smart by Cas coming in early and offering me a deal before anyone else could get chance,” he said.

“But I am happy to stay here. It’s a club I love and I enjoyed my rugby that much last year it was straightforward.

“It was a great season. We scored some awesome tries and I was on the end of a lot of them. I’ve not been that lucky this year – I think I’ve only been on the field in two games and I came off injured in one – but I’m hoping that I can get back fit for this week and then continue that form from last year.

“I’m excited about signing again, Daryl (Powell) is building a good squad and I think we can improve on what we did last year this time around. We’ve made some good signings in Liam Watts and Joe Wardle to strengthen it and I can see this club doing some great things in these next few years.

“That’s part of the reason that made me want to join up.”

On his fitness, the Castleford-born player said: “I think I’m almost there now. I’ve trained fully today and I’m in the squad so it’s just down to Daryl and who he’s going to pick for those wing spots or full-back.

“We’ve a lot of depth now and it will be a headache for him.”