Castleford Tigers destined to snap up rival Super League star as Lee Radford aims big for 2023

Castleford Tigers have done it tough in 2022.

Halfbacks Danny Richardson, Jake Trueman and Gareth O’Brien have spent a huge chunk of the season on the sidelines, leaving Lee Radford down to limited assets in the playmaker roles.

Therefore, it’s no surprise that the Tigers have been linked with a number of halfbacks including Warrington Wolves’ Gareth Widdop and Wakefield Trinity’s Jacob Miller.

Wakefield chief executive Michael Carter wrote a letter to Trinity fans last night about the ten departing players from Belle Vue – and Jacob Miller was amongst them.

Carter wrote: “Tom Johnstone has been a player close to my heart for so long. Massively troubled by injuries, and yet still capable of producing so many magic moments. We wish him well in Catalans.

“Bill Tupou sadly has had to retire and is returning home. A player who terrorised defences in 2018 and made the Dream Team. We wish him, Sharna and his family all the very best for the future.

“Tinirau Arona has been a stalwart at this Club for the last seven years. He’s been available pretty much every week, apart from when he ruptured his ACL in 2019, and producing a level of consistency rarely seen in a player at Wakefield Trinity. He will be sorely missed.

“James Batchelor came through our academy late and has probably had his best season to date. We tried to keep him, but James decided a new challenge was needed. We wish him well.

“Brad Walker was given a fantastic opportunity at another club and he probably needs to be playing week in and week out at this stage of his career. It will be interesting to see how he fares.

“Yusuf Aydin has joined Hull KR, which was disappointing for me as we definitely wanted to keep him. However, thats life, and we wish Yusuf good luck in East Hull.

“Sid Adebiyi unfortunately got injured early in his Trinity career. We wish him well.

“Thomas Minns also picked up some injuries but has been fantastic around the Club. We wish him well for the future.

“David Fifita – What can one say that he hasn’t already said himself. A joy for the fans. A nightmare (sometimes) for coaches and administrators. He has given us some big moments of genuine joy. Chip and chases, barnstorming tries, and goal kicking with ease. His smile and infectious laugh lit up the place. We wish him and all his family a safe journey home, and happiness for the rest of his life.

“Finally, I’d like to talk about our Captain, Jacob Miller. It is with much sadness on my part that he has decided to move on. Timings and relegation meant that we could not announce anything before last Thursday (despite Dave and T) and the victory against Hull KR was indeed Milky’s last home game.

“We have shared so many moments and he has turned into a true leader for this Club. If Milky does play on Monday and Friday, he will finish on 200 games for this Club, the second highest for an overseas player, behind Dennis Boocker. A magnificent achievement and one that should be remembered by every Trinity fan. During the week we will be showing the top six moments from our number six, culminating in the game on Friday against Huddersfield where I hope you will all come along and show your appreciation to the man himself.

“Of all the movements of players, this is the one that has left me most gutted, but I understand the reality of it all, and I look forward to catching up with Milky whenever our paths cross next. Thank you for all you have done for Wakefield Trinity and good luck in the future.”

Carter’s emotional statement shows just how much he cares about the West Yorkshire club and the kind of characters that he prides himself on having at Belle Vue.