Castleford have become the first Super League club to confirm an interest in signing controversial former Australian Test centre Joel Monaghan.

The 28-year-old is looking to resurrect his career in England after quitting the Canberra Raiders following publication on the internet of a compromising photograph.

Up to four Super League clubs, including Harlequins, are thought to be keen to take the centre or winger, who was in Australia's World Cup final team two years ago, and the Tigers say they have already begun tentative talks.

Castleford are on the trail of a replacement for England international Michael Shenton, who has joined St Helens, and Australian James Evans, who last week announced his retirement after failing to recover from a groin injury.

"Having found there are no centres of sufficient quality available in the UK, we have spoken to three overseas centres about joining the club," said Tigers chief Richard Wright.

"One of those players is Joel Monaghan and talks are ongoing".

Monaghan will say his farewells in Canberra this week before heading to England to start pre-season training alongside older brother Michael at Warrington.

"I think it's best that we let a bit of the heat and emotion go out of the situation before we starting negotiating and the English clubs think that's a good idea," said the player's agent Jim Banaghan.

"Joel is going over very soon to start training with his brother Michael at Warrington. I'll go over in a couple of weeks to start talking to clubs with him."

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