Debts are forcing me to give rugby league a go, reveals fired-up Chambers

Last updated at 10:12 30 March 2008

Controversial sprinter Dwain Chambers is determined to make a success of his

surprise switch to rugby league.

Chambers has been offered trials by Castleford, the engage Super League's

bottom club, and is set to be unveiled at a press conference on Monday.

The former Olympian has struggled to resurrect his athletics career since

serving a two-year ban for using designer steroid THG.

He won 60 metres silver at the World Indoor Championships in Valencia earlier

this month but is banned from Olympic competition and promoters have closed

ranks to prevent him running at most other meetings.

Chambers said: "Both Castleford and I are determined for

this to work. The reaction to the news has been wild.

"I'm still on a mental down because of my situation in athletics, despite

winning silver in Valencia, but I woke up on Saturday to see my face all over

the television again and I realised rugby league gives me a chance to put a

positive spin on my sporting outlook."

Chambers, 30 next Saturday, must pay off debts of £100,000 for prizemoney

accrued during the period he was cheating in athletics.

He admits the money is crucial as he chases a £60,000-per-year deal with the

Tigers.

He said: "The fact is I have to earn a living for myself, my fiancee Leonie

and my baby boy Skye.

"Potentially I could make that short of money for about nine seconds' work in

a grand prix race, but things have changed. So £60,000 would be nice."

Chambers will need time to get up to find his feet in rugby league but having

played American football in the now defunct NFL Europa he claims the physical

aspect does not worry him.

He added: "I'm not doing this for a laugh - I know how badly you can be hurt

in rugby league but I'm ready.

"I experienced American football last year and am fully aware of just how

violent contact sports can be.

"I'm told rugby league is even more barbaric. Let's wait and see."

Chambers, however, has not given up hope of competing at the Beijing Olympics

this summer.

Chambers cannot be selected under British Olympic Association rules but he is

currently pursuing a legal challenge.