DEAN WIDDERS HAS SECRET WEAPON

DEAN WIDDERS hopes to bring in a secret weapon to help Castleford - Gladiator star Russell Crowe.

Tigers centre Widders has been big mates with the Hollywood superstar for years. The pair share a passion for rugby league and also for various charities close to their hearts.

And Widders admits he'd get a real kick out of seeing Cas fans rub shoulders with his famous buddy.

Widders also hopes the Oscar winner can weave some of his magic on the Tigers' play-off push.

He said: "Russell is shooting his new film, Robin Hood, in the south of London. I've talked to him a few times and he's hoping to get to Castleford to see one of our games.

"He's pretty busy with shooting but it would be really good for the fans if they got to watch a match with him."

Kiwi-born Crowe, whose grandfather was from Wrexham in north Wales, is famous around the globe for his acting and wild off-set antics. He's also well-known in the rugby league world as co-owner of South Sydney Rabbitohs.

But Super League fans may not realise that Widders is also famous in Australia as one of their most fascinating sportsmen.

For here is a player who has had dinner with the Prime Minister and enjoyed lunch with the Governor-General.

He is also an Ambassador on a national council in Australia and has won a major award for his work helping children.

Now he's settled in Castleford with his wife and three children, Widders wants to kick off similar charity projects over here.

Passionate

He said: "I first met Russell when I signed for the Rabbitohs and we've been good mates ever since. It's not just rugby league that we have in common. We share the same views about community, helping kids and the responsibility players have to these kids.

"He is equally passionate about giving something back to communities and giving kids something to aspire to. Life is about trying to help people and improve their living conditions and opportunities.

"Rugby league players have a huge responsibility because kids look up to us and it's important that we put something back."

Widders, 29, is an Ambassador for the National Aboriginal Sports Corporation and a member of the Federal Government's National Indigenous Council.

His efforts won him the NRL's Ken Stephen's Medal for his work with children - something he wants to carry on in Britain.

GLADIATOR STAR - Russell Crowe is a big rugby league fan

The 6ft 2in, 16-stone star added: "I want to set up a reading programme, hopefully with the help of the RFL or possibly sponsors.

"In Sydney we sent books out to kids, got players to visit schools and encouraged kids to go online and talk about what they had read.

"You get a lot out of helping youngsters, especially those from tough areas where they don't have a lot to look forward to.

"I like trying to make a difference. Rugby league has given me a greater voice and an insight into politics and how you can give people opportunities."

Cas coach Terry Matterson admits the club signed Widders for his playing ability and his excellent off-field work. Matterson said: "He is a very good influence and role model and that's what we want. He doesn't drink or smoke and is a character you can respect."

Widders may consider a life in politics when his playing days are over but his first aim is to establish himself after a recent torn calf muscle.

He said: "I'm back playing after missing seven weeks. You don't want that in your first year at a new club but I'm looking to regain form."

Cas ended a run of five Super League defeats with a win last weekend at Huddersfield but they slumped to a 22-20 home defeat against Catalans Dragons last night.

Widders added: "We've missed captain Ryan Hudson and playmaker Brent Sherwin but a top eight slot is still very much on."

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