Castleford Tigers’ first choice halfbacks for 2023 seemingly revealed

Going into 2023, there was seemingly one position Castleford Tigers boss Lee Radford really wanted to address: the halfbacks.

The Tigers already had ex-St Helens Danny Richardson but lost Jake Trueman to Hull FC and allowed Gareth O’Brien to join Leigh Leopards.

They do have former Leeds Rhinos halfback Callum McLelland but the former rugby union player has been struggling with injuries since he arrived.

Nonetheless, the Tigers have signed a further three halfbacks in the shape of Warrington Wolves’ Gareth Widdop, Wakefield Trinity’s Jacob Miller and Hull FC youngster Jacob Hookem who started in the halves in a friendly against Featherstone Rovers on New Year’s Eve alongside fellow new signing Jack Broadbent.

So, the Tigers have plenty of options. In fact, they have five out and out halfbacks to fill two roles.

So, who will get the nod at the start of the season?

Speaking to Sky Sports and talking about the strength of the Tigers’ spine, assistant Andy Last seemingly revealed the Tigers’ first choice spine and subsequently the halfbacks:

“Then just offensively, the addition of Jacob Miller is going to really help us. He’s an experienced Super League player with a really strong kicking game – and you add Gareth Widdop to that.

“You look at the spine of our team with [Paul] McShane, Westerman, Niall Evalds, Gareth Widdop and Jacob Miller, you’re talking over 1,000 games of experience there. If we can keep them on the field, they’re going to cause opposition teams a lot of problems with their experience.