Castleford Tigers have had to endure a tough start to the Craig Lingard era, remaining on zero points in 2024.

This was only compounded by a 40-14 defeat at the hands of Catalans Dragons at the Stade Gilbert Brutus at the weekend.

During the game, on Sky Sports, Stuart Pyke said Castleford fans needed to be “patient” and said that it was “short term pain for long term gain” as he revealed that Craig Lingard was set to be given money to sign “three marquee players” for next year.

With that in mind, here are three realistic signings that Serious About Rugby League think the Tigers should look to be signing for 2025.

Who Castleford Tigers should sign

Cory Aston

Rowan Milnes has struggled to make an impact for the Tigers since joining from Hull KR for this season, and Cas could really do with a quality player to come in and sort the mistakes in game management that have caused them to concede so many points in 2024 already.

Cory Aston was at Wheldon Road from 2018 to 2019, but only made ten appearances for the club, scoring four tries, as he was sent out on loan to Newcastle Thunder and his current side, Sheffield Eagles.

He’s been one of the standout performers for an excellent Eagles side this season, with strong kicking performances helping them to victory over Toulouse Olympique last week, and getting them to the 1895 Cup semi-final and Challenge Cup fifth round.

He remains under contract at the Olympic Legacy Park Stadium through 2025, but may still be a cheap option, but could bring some real quality to the side, despite having to make a step back up to the Super League.

The Eagles have other good playmakers, such as Jack Hansen and Anthony Thackeray, so a negotiation could certainly be made.

Matty Russell

Cas have struggled for full-backs for a while now. Jack Broadbent moved into the role recently, but isn’t natural there, while Luke Hooley hasn’t looked quite up-to-scratch this season.

He was loaned out to Hull FC this season, before having to return due to injury, but looked to impress in an admittedly-poor side.

This shows he’s probably expendable to Warrington, and Cas could look to swoop for the experienced 30-year-old.

He’s out of contract at the end of 2024, after his extension-option was exercised for this year.

This could be a solid signing for Craig Lingard.

Ryan Hampshire

The utility had an excellent short period at Wheldon Road in 2022, making a big impact in his five games.

He’s struggled for games since returning to the Warriors in 2023, making only his fourth first-team appearance at the weekend, impressing in a victory over London Broncos at Plough Lane.

Hampshire is off contract at the end of the season, and being from Wakefield, could be persuaded to return to West Yorkshire, using this money that Stuart Pyke speaks of.