Castleford Tigers' new star attraction Jake Mamo begging to be centre of attention

It's safe to assume that while some Super League players are more recognisable than others, Jake Mamo certainly has a reputation all in a league of his own.

One of the competition's most eccentric characters, epitomised by his lively and often unpredictable interviews, the 27-year-old will be well-known to supporters of Castleford Tigers even before he makes his competitive debut for his new club.

But while we are still guaranteed many of the things we have come to expect from Mamo in recent years again this season, the player himself is keen for one thing to change: his reputation as a utility player. "It's probably what has kept me out of teams throughout my career," he tells Rugby League Live.

"I've been seen as a utility which I guess is great in a way, but it has frustrated me at times. I don't want to be getting moved around from one position to the next, I think it's about time that, at this stage of my career, I'm recognised and considered as an out-and-out player in one role."

That role? In Mamo and new Castleford coach Lee Radford's eyes: centre. That will bring pressure, not least because of the sizeable shoes that will need to be filled by the retirement of one of the club's greatest-ever players and captains in Michael Shenton.

But you suspect pressure is part of what makes Mamo the player, and the person, that he is.

"I told Lee when I signed here that I wanted to be a centre now," he admits. "I nailed down that role at Warrington a fair bit last year, and I want that to continue at Castleford. Playing fullback is just too hard! And I'm probably too small to be a winger in this modern game. I understand there's competition with Mahe Fonua and Jordan Turner, and blokes like that, but I want to be a