By the time the new Super League season rolls around, it will have been over a year since supporters were allowed in stadiums. By the time fans return, the wait will have been at least 14 months long.
It feels a long time since Castleford were hosting St Helens at the Jungle in the last game before lockdown. That day the Tigers moved joint top with an impressive win over the Champions. The lockdown swiftly curtailed their momentum however as the Tigers struggled when the league returned missing out on the play-offs.
They missed their fans more than most and struggled to ease the strains of the pandemic for the Cas faithful as they lost form and suffered injury after injury. They’ll hope, following some sharp pieces of recruitment, they can reward their fans with a better 2021.
Like every club they were given a huge boost by Boris Johnson’s announcement that fans could be allowed back in May just in time for a derby against rivals Leeds. Many of the Cas fans deserve a front row seat to some scintillating rugby having donated their season tickets back to the club refusing a refund.
Many clubs ran similar programmes promising to reward those who donated their memberships back to the club rejecting the offered refund. Just this week Hull FC owner Adam Pearson promised winning rugby to the Black and White faithful but Castleford have made a more concrete gesture.
It was announced on Twitter this afternoon that every Tigers fan who donated their ticket back to the club will have their name on the 2022 home shirt. A nice touch ensuring every supporter feels close to the club and their journey to try and achieve success.
The Tigers will return to Super League action on the 28th March against Warrington at Headingley.
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