Franze quits Castleford Tigers

Australian centre Paul Franze has quit Castleford after less than a fortnight with the Super League strugglers.

The 24-year-old former Penrith and Cronulla threequarter switched codes at the end of last year to join London Irish and made seven appearances for them in the Zurich Premiership.

He was released by Irish just before Easter in order to resume his rugby league career and signed a contract to the end of the season with the Tigers but today walked out on the club after making just three appearances.

Tigers spokesman David Smart said: ?It came out of the blue. Paul rang our coach Terry Matterson and said he was finding it harder than he envisaged.

?This is his third straight season of rugby and he feels that he is struggling to come to terms with the rigors of back-to-back football.

?He has decided to take a break from the game and opted out of his contract.?

Franze is the second player to quit the relegation-threatened club in a week following the decision of former Bradford hooker Aaron Smith to take a break from the game.

Castleford, just two points above bottom club Wigan after losing their last five matches, expect to have threequarters Michael Shenton and Gray Viane back for Sunday?s home game against Salford.