Castleford Tigers’ overseas quota standing following recruitment progress

Castleford Tigers have ramped up their recruitment efforts for 2025, and could still make a big-name signing.

Ahead of the 2024, there was plenty of change. Jacob Miller and Albert Vete were the only quota players left over from the start of 2023.

Liam Horne and Charbel Tasipale remained at the club after mid-2023 deals with the club.

Elie El-Zakhem, Nixon Putt, Sylvester Namo were all signed for 2024, while Albert Vete was released – allowing the signing of Tex Hoy.

Currently, clubs can have a maximum of seven ‘non-Federation trained players’ in their squad – and these players are defined as those that didn’t play three seasons of rugby in Europe before they turned 21.

Castleford Tigers’ quota situation following overseas signings

Sylvester Namo has one more year on his contract, while Tex Hoy, signed mid-season after being released by Hull FC, penned a further two-year contract extension meaning he’ll be at the club through 2026, while  Liam Horne also signed a two-year extension this year.

The side’s only new signing before the end of the 2024 season was Zac Cini from Parramatta Eels – a much-needed centre contracted through 2026.

This meant they went into the off-season with three free quota spots to utilise, after Jacob Miller, Elie El-Zakhem and Nixon Putt were all allowed to go elsewhere, despite all having a year left on their contracts.

First up was an ownership change, as Martin Jepson control, and this was followed by a head coach change – with Danny McGuire replacing Craig Lingard.

They then went big with the signing of Daejarn Asi, signed on a two-year deal after being a starting half for much of Parramatta Eels’ NRL season in 2024.

This was followed just days later by the signing of exciting hooker Judah Rimbu from PNG Hunters, during his excellent international window as the PNG Kumuls won the Pacific Championships.

Now, there’s one more spot left for them to fill, if they wish to do so, and it seems likely that they’ll seek to find a player to bolster their forward pack.

Contract status of Castleford Tigers’ overseas players for 2025 (Date when contract expires)

Sylvester Namo (2025)

Tex Hoy (2026)

Liam Horne (2026)

Zac Cini (2026)

Daejarn Asi (2026)

Judah Rimbu (2026)