TRENT Castles says a burning desire to play alongside Damian Cupido led to his signing with Mangoplah Cookardinia-United Eastlakes this week.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Cupido signed with the Goannas last week after the Ovens and Murray league season was abandoned.
However, Castles will now have to wait until next year to play alongside Cupido after AFL Riverina announced a ban on all Victorian based players for the remainder of this season.
The Riverina league season is still no guarantee to go ahead with the NSW government considering a tightening of restrictions as soon as Thursday.
"When Cupido signed it sort of sparked my interest," Castles said.
"But it looks like he is going to have to sit the season out with the border restrictions.
"We were both looking forward to playing together and hopefully causing a bit of havoc for the opposition."
Castles said the challenge of a different league and not knowing much about the opposition appealed to him.
"I'm keen to get back into it," he said.
"Different league, different people and playing at a different club.
"I don't know a heap about MCUE other than I played a practice match against them a fair few years ago now.
"I've had a couple of conversations with their coach Jeremy Rowe.
"He seems to be a fairly passionate coach and I'm looking forward to playing under him."
IN OTHER NEWS
Castles was involved in a contract dispute over the summer.
The prolific goalkicker requested a clearance to Corowa-Rutherglen despite having signed a contract with Yackandandah.
The Roos initially played hard-ball to Castles' request before finally releasing their star forward in February.
Castles said he is keen to remain with Corowa-Rutherglen next season.
"I've enjoyed the change of scenery at Corowa and I'm definitely keen to stay there," he said.
