Castleford Tigers were expected to struggle in the 2024 season, and those expectations have largely become reality in a difficult first half of the Super League season. The Tigers have registered just three wins from their opening 9 games, with one draw, and sit 10th in the table, with just London Broncos and Hull FC beneath them.
In their most recent defeat against the Leeds Rhinos, the Tigers looked to lack size in their forwards and, without Jacob Miller, they were short on creativity in attack. They have moved to address one of these issues, with the signing of Matty English on an initial two-week loan deal from the Huddersfield Giants.
Now, as Giants coach, Ian Watson, suggested that the club may be willing to allow Jake Connor to leave on a short-term loan deal, Lingard has addressed whether Castleford would be interested in bringing the versatile back to the club on a similar deal to English.
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Lingard outlines Castleford Tigers position on Jake Connor
Credit: Imago Images
Speaking in his weekly press conference, Lingard was asked about Connor’s availability and whether Castleford would be interested in bringing him into the club. Lingard denied that Castleford had made any enquiries about Connor. He stated that the club would have to assess their available budget before completing any further business.
“No we’ve not, we’ve not had any conversations about that. Whether we’ve got the budget to do any more business, whether it’s Jake or anybody else, I don;t know, That’s a conversation we will have to have.
“I’m having a meeting after I’ve done this (press conference). We’re midway through the season, so the staff have done a mid-season review, we’ve done a mid-season review with the team, and we’re just going to have a wider club mid-season review now as well.
“So I would imagine we will have some discussion about what’s left or what’s not left. But, hopefully there’s a little bit of money in there in case we do need to strengthen or somebody does become available, there might be an option to do something.”
Lingard reiterates comments on difficult transfer environment
Credit: Imago Images
Asked whether he was surprised that players of the quality of English and Connor had been made available for loan mid-season, Lingard again referred to the lack of options in the English transfer market. He believes that any time a player of that calibre becomes available, Castleford will inevitably be interested. Lingard said:
“I’ve said before that the market in the UK for players off contract for next season available is really, really minimal. So, as much as we’re going to go out and look to bring some players in, we might have to go out and look a bit further afield, because the market in the UK is pretty much done and dusted.
“So, unless somebody falls out of favour, or another team strengthens in an area that means other players become available who are under contract, then we are going to be struggling for the UK market, so when somebody like Matty does become available, even if it’s just for a two week period, then we’re going to be interested. ”
Castleford Tigers host the Wigan Warriors tomorrow night in their first game since the Challenge Cup break. The Tigers will be hoping to catch Wigan cold in the aftermath of their victory celebrations to register an unexpected win.
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