Pride’s own good luck charm riding the wave

HIS own injury run has been far from blessed, but Justin Castellaro continues to prove the Northern Pride’s lucky charm.

Northern Pride trio Ryan Ghietti, Justin Castellaro and David Murphy take a break from training at Jones Park. The trio have played important roles this season for the club PICTURE: JUSTIN BRIERTY

HIS own injury run has been far from blessed, but Justin Castellaro continues to prove the Northern Pride’s lucky charm.

The centre will on Sunday line up against Tweed hoping to extend his 2016 Intrust Super Cup streak to three wins from three games.

Throw in his 6-2 win/loss record last year and 10-2 from 2014, and the unassuming Herbert River product is proving the missing link for Joe O’Callaghan’s side.

After a year out with a knee injury, Castellaro’s return last season coincided with the Pride’s strong run home, and catapulted the 25-year-old in to this year’s leadership group.

A rib injury again sidelined him in Round 1 but since returning has again shown why his reliability is proving a winning edge.

“That injury set me back and the boys had a good couple of first games,” Castellaro said.

“But I wasn’t too bad (having to sit out) because it’s a long year.

“And I know what it’s like to miss a whole year of footy so one or two weeks out aren’t too bad.”

With his leadership promotion has come a more matured Castellaro on the park.

“It was a big step up that I had to take,” he said.

“Last week (against Ipswich) I was pretty vocal trying to calm the boys down (late in the game).

“We have got a young side but from the games I have played we are getting better at closing out games.”

Meanwhile, the Blackhawks yesterday confirmed the signing of Super League forward

Lee Jewitt from Castleford on a one-year contract beginning in 2017.

Sunday’s Pride match against Tweed at Barlow Park kicks off at 3pm.

CASTELLARO’S 2016

Games: 2

Wins: 2

Losses: 0

2015

Games: 8

Wins: 6

Losses: 2

2014

Games: 12

Wins: 10

Losses: 2

TOTAL: 22 games, 18 wins

Originally published as Pride’s own good luck charm riding the wave