FORMER Saints scrum half Sean Long's advice has led to soldier and former Harlequins Rugby Union scrum-half Lloyd Wheeldon going for a month's trial at Castleford.

The 24-year-old lance corporal in 3 Para has been granted a temporary release from active service to try his luck in Super League after speaking to former Great Britain half-back Long during his spell with Quins.

Long is now assistant coach at Leeds Rhinos.

"I've always wanted to try playing rugby league and I got quite friendly with Sean Long when he was down there," Wheeldon said.

"I got chatting to him about it and then put the feelers out there through my agent and then an opportunity came up for a trial with Cas."

Castleford coach Daryl Powell said: "He's got a great attitude and he's been in the army so he's a tough kid.

"Getting used to the nuances of rugby league in the first couple of weeks is important for him but I just think it is important to have a look at him and see how he goes.

"Obviously, he's not going to be able to play this month but we get to have a good look at him and it gives him an opportunity to pick up all the little bits of rugby league."