Castleford Tigers have made Krystian Mapapalangi their 13th signing of the winter as they prepare for the new Super League season.
Mapapalangi joins the Tigers on a two-year deal and that ensures he will be with the club until the end of the 2027 season at least.
The centre completes what is a strong looking back line at Wheldon Road and with Semi Valemei, Blake Taaffe, Mikaele Ravalawa and Darnell McIntosh amongst those to arrive since the end of last season, the club clearly saw that as an area of much needed improvement ahead of 2026.
Mapapalangi joins the club after spending a season in Wests Tigers’ New South Wales Cup team. That’s the competition where he has spent most of his career to date but he does have NRL experience, having made six appearances for Newcastle Knights between 2022 and 2024.
He has bagged 11 tries in 38 games in the second string competition and he’ll be keen to build on that with Castleford, who he will link up with in time to feature against either Doncaster or Newcastle Thunder in the Challenge Cup.
Krystian Mapapalangi joins Castleford Tigers
“I’m really pleased to see this deal over the line, it’s been one we have been discussing since I arrived at the club,” Ryan Carr said on his latest signing. “Maps has got all the attributes needed to succeed in the Super League and he’s another great addition to the squad.
“The squad is taking shape, I believe we have a lot to be excited about in 2026 and this latest addition only gives me more confidence in what we are building here in Cas.”
Director of rugby Chris Chester added: “Krystian is a player we identified a number of weeks ago. He’s an athletic centre who has experience in the NRL and NSW Cup. On top of all that he’s a great person and a player I know Carry can take to the next level.
“We’ve taken our time with this signing to make sure it’s the right fit for all.”
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