YOUNGSTER Jacques O'Neill will make his Castleford Tigers bow in their pre-season friendly against York City Knights on Friday.

The 16-year-old – the youngest player ever to be part of the Tigers first-team set-up – is part of an 18-man squad heading to Bootham Crescent.

The Askam product will line-up alongside fellow South Cumbrian Will Maher – an Ulverston junior who has established himself as a regular contender to feature in the front row in Super League.

Castleford head coach Daryl Powell – whose side also face Wakefield on Sunday – said of the game: “This is a great opportunity for some of our younger players to mix in with senior members from our first-team squad and show what kind of potential they have.

“I will get to see every member of our squad play over this weekend which is a great lead in as we come to the start of the Super League season.

“I have no doubt that York will provide a stiff test which is just what the players need at this time in the pre season.”

Tigers head of youth Pete Riding added: “I am delighted for the young players that will get a run out at York on Friday, this is just rewards for all their hard work through the pre season.

“The boys started back in November and have trained exceptionally hard in some terrible conditions so to get this opportunity is fantastic, playing alongside some first-team players will be a great experience for them.”