5 Castleford Tigers players with a point to prove under Danny McGuire

With Danny McGuire now confirmed as the new Castleford Tigers head coach, there may be a fresh opportunity for some players.

It’s not quite the fresh start that players often get, as McGuire was already in the Tigers setup, but he may have different ideas to Craig Lingard on who should get a chance to play.

Five Castleford Tigers players with a point to prove under Danny McGuire

George Hill

With the signing of Judah Rimbu now confirmed, it seems pretty likely that Liam Horne will be looking to make the Castleford Tigers number 13 shirt his own next year.

However, young George Hill ended the season as the starting loose-forward, and will surely be hoping to show that he deserves some minutes in the role – and may even hope that pre-season can show McGuire that he should get the nod in what is his most natural role.

This could be vital for his continued development, at just 20 years old who signed a three-year extension back in May.

Luke Hooley

Now that Zac Cini has signed for the club, and Sam Wood is expected back from injury for the start of next season, it seems that Luke Hooley will once again struggle to claim a starting role, after losing his fullback spot to mid-season signing Tex Hoy.

He filled in fairly well in the centres, even popping up with a try against Warrington Wolves, and will be desperate to show his new head coach that he should be called upon if a starting fullback or centre is unavailable during the season. Given his strong connection with Craig Lingard following their Batley days, he could be one of those who faces a tough job to get back into the matchday squad.

Fletcher Rooney

One man who might have something to say about Hooley’s involvement is Fletcher Rooney, whose cameos in 2023 showed that he has potential at Super League level.

Primarily a fullback at academy level, he made his first-team debut in 2023 but didn’t play again for almost a year, scoring an early try from the wing against Leigh Leopards in August.

He then made two appearances at fullback to end the campaign and scored the only try in a 40-4 defeat to St Helens.

He could truly become part of the first-team setup in 2025 if Danny McGuire sees these good signs continue.

Josh Simm

Possibly the perfect player for this feature, Josh Simm’s early years at St Helens were hugely promising, scoring a hat-trick of tries in just his sixth Super League appearance and also scoring in a Challenge Cup semi-final against Wigan Warriors in 2022.

He moved to Queensland Cup side Wynnum-Manly Seagulls and was a key part of a side that made their way to a Preliminary Final in 2023 before signing for Castleford Tigers on his return to the UK.

However, after five tries in his first six starts for the Tigers, he suffered a season-ending injury, which means he’ll have a huge point to prove when he’s ready to get back on the field.

Will Tate

Similarly, Will Tate had 12 months injured after an ankle fracture sustained against St Helens in August 2023.

After the Tigers’ problems in the centres, his return at Magic Weekend was a welcome one, and he looked very tidy during his three appearances at the back end of 2024.

He could certainly be a man called upon at times next year and will have to show Danny McGuire that he’s good enough for that to be the case.