Castleford Tigers snap up Paddy Flynn on loan from Widnes Vikings

The 28-year-old has been with the Vikings since 2008 but has been kept out of the side this season by Stefan Marsh, Patrick Ah Van and new signing Corey Thompson and his only appearance so far was in their recent Challenge Cup win over Rochdale.

Widnes coach Denis Betts said: "Paddy needs to be playing regular rugby. Unfortunately for him, all of our wingers have played very well this season.

"We wish Paddy the best of luck for the remainder of the season with the Tigers."

The arrival of Flynn, which follows the capture of his former Widnes team-mate Danny Tickle and Huddersfield forward Larne Patrick, will ease Castleford's injury crisis. They were without eight senior players for the visit of St Helens on Sunday and lost prop Andy Lynch with a broken leg in that game.

Castleford coach Daryl Powell said: "Paddy Flynn comes to us at a crucial period of the season.

"Whenever he has played against us he has had a strong influence on the game. He is a tough defender and carries the ball very strongly in all areas of the field.

"I'm confident he will add depth and quality to our back line as we look to strengthen our game in what is going to be a really tough block of games."

Flynn joined his new club for training on Tuesday but, because of his appearance against Rochdale, he will not be eligible for the Tigers' sixth-round tie against Salford on Saturday.

"I'm really happy about the loan deal," he said. "I've always been a fan of Daryl and the way his teams play. I can't wait to get started and rip in."