Clark is prepared to bide time over move

The young hooker, rated one of the English game’s best prospects, caused a stir last weekend when it emerged he had put in a transfer request to his home-town club.

Clark, 19, had only recently signed a five-year deal but Warrington Wolves were believed to be keen on snaring his services.

Castleford rejected their homegrown player’s request but he explained to the Yorkshire Post why he sought a release.

“If you said to me ‘what are you in the game for?’ I’d say to play at the highest level, to play in finals and to earn as much money as I can as it’s only a short career,” he said.

“An opportunity for all of that came for me and, obviously, I asked for it.

“I’ve heard there were definitely clubs interested but it’s been declined and it’s not to be just yet.”

Clark had also been disappointed at a lack of representative honours, especially at being overlooked for the England Knights squad which he thought would not have happened if he had been with a bigger club.

He is recovering from a major knee injury suffered at Hull KR in May but is well on the way to recovery and could defy the odds to return to action before the end of the season.

“It’s been five weeks now and I’ve another five to go so maybe I’ll get back playing for the last couple of games,” said Clark.

“It’ll depend on my fitness levels but I do want to get back for two or maybe three matches.”

Castleford coach Ian Millward, who takes his side to Widnes Vikings for the Monday night televised game, reckons new capture Lee Gilmour could be a ‘sensation’ at Wheldon Road.

Given the Huddersfield Giants player is already 34, there have been questions about giving him a two-year deal from 2013.

But Millward, who once signed Gilmour for St Helens, said: “People should dismiss his age as he’s been very much injury-free throughout his career.

“He has very good leg speed and has the capabilities of emulating Steve Menzies well into his late thirties.”