Castleford Tigers beat out NRL sides to sign international star

Castleford Tigers have beat out NRL interest to sign a highly-regarded Papua New Guinea international on a two-year deal.

There is a major feel-good feeling at Wheldon Road currently after Martin Jepson’s buy-out, the new-look coaching team, signing of Daejarn Asi, and now the arrival of Papua New Guinea hooker Judah Rimbu.

First reported as being interested in the 23-year-old by Yorkshire Live in September, speculation has continued to rise and it came to a climax yesterday when the Tigers took to social media.

Sharing images of both Liam Horne and Rimbu whilst in Papua New Guinea training with the caption: “Our boys are smashing it for PNG. Some familiar faces in that camp.”

For many fans, that was the final hint needed to confirm that they had signed Rimbu, particularly as it came just after The Mole’s report that Cas had beaten out several NRL clubs to land the hooker on a two-year deal.

Now, those fans need wait no more as Castleford Tigers have announced their newest signing.

Castleford Tigers land PNG hooker

The club have released a statement confirming the signature of Rimbu with the 23-year-old penning a two-year deal, as previously claimed by The Mole.

He had stated: “Aussie clubs showed interest, but too late. Rimbu has signed a two-year deal with English club Castleford and flies out to the north of England soon.”

His flight to England will come after representing PNG in the ongoing Pacific Championships with Cas fans able to watch their newest signing tomorrow morning when he takes on the Cook Islands for a bizarre kick-off time of 5:09 am.

Confirming his arrival, Cas said: “Castleford Tigers are pleased to announce the signing of Judah Rimbu on a 2-year deal!

“The 23-year-old Papua New Guinea international made 23 appearances in the 2024 Queensland Cup season for the PNG Hunters, scoring 16 tries and securing the 2024 QRL Hostplus Cup player of the year. Rimbu has recently captained the PNG side in the Pacific Championships, impressing many with a sterling performance where he secured himself a superb try for his country.

“Rimbu predominantly plays in the hooker position but can offer versatility by playing at halfback. The Tigers man has recently teamed up with Liam Horne and Sylvester Namo for the Kumuls, getting himself on the scoresheet against Australia and Fiji.”

We caught up with Danny Wilson, Director of Rugby on the signing: “Judah has had an exceptional year and has generated a lot of interest in his services, so to win the race for his signature is very pleasing. He is an exciting player and will bring a lot of spark to the team”

Rimbu’s arrival will likely push current hooker Liam Horne into loose forward, freeing up Joe Westerman to assume a role in the front row as the pieces of the puzzle come together for the Tigers.