The search for the next 'Tank on the Flank'

Lee Radford knows better than anyone the impact Ratu Naulago made for Hull FC. Now the man who unleashed the Fijian flyer on the Betfred Super League is aiming to unearth more hidden gems in his new role with Castleford Tigers.

It was while watching rugby union's Premiership Rugby Sevens Series that he first became aware of Naulago, who at the time was playing as a trialist for Saracens outside of his commitments as a private in the Yorkshire Regiment of the British Army.

Subsequently signed by Radford for Hull, the winger's return of 23 tries in 34 appearances in two seasons prior to returning to the 15-man code with Bristol Bears, where he has earned the nickname 'The Tank on the Flank'. But his lasting impact in Super League has arguably been alerting others to the talents out there in the Armed Forces rugby teams.

Now in charge at Castleford, Radford is giving a trial to another player with a similar background ahead of the 2022 Super League season in Junior Vasuitoga - although the former Hull and Bradford Bulls forward warned Naulago's success has perhaps set the bar artificially high for those aiming to follow him.

"It's a funny one because Ratu, how well he's turned out, has probably disadvantaged everyone you find and almost made it mission: impossible," Radford said. "I'd watch the Premiership Sevens and seen him play for Saracens, and my ears pricked up when I saw he was a trialist from the military.

"As soon as I heard that, I wondered how he was allowed to play for Saracens and had he got a British passport or would he count as a quota play. Connections got made that way and the chap who we spoke to at Hull is still coaching the Army Sevens as well.

"I've stayed in touch with him...and he passed Junior's