Castleford Tigers reportedly set to splash cash on three marquee signings

Castleford Tigers have had a rough start to the 2024 Betfred Super League season.

They started the season with the toughest possible fixture as they hosted Wigan Warriors in Round One and competed with the Super League Champions until Liam Watts was controversially sent off.

In week two the Castleford Tigers came up short against Salford Red Devils and in Round Three they were blown away by Warrington Wolves despite a strong start before their worst defeat came against Huddersfield Giants. They were better against Catalans Dragons.

During the game on Sky Sports, Stuart Pyke said Castleford fans needed to be “patient” and said that it was “short term pain for long term gain” as he revealed that Craig Lingard was set to be given money to sign “three marquee players” for next year.

Who these targets will be remains unclear but it shows the club has a long term plan.

Castleford Tigers set to allow players to leave on dual reg

Speaking of comings and goings, Castleford Tigers have also agreed a dual registration agreement with the Newcastle Thunder.

It will be an opportunity for Head Coach Craig Lingard to witness his younger players gaining experience that he may call upon when he sees fit, and when they are ready to step up to Super League.

He said on the club’s official website: “It’s important that players need to go out and get First Team experience.We also have the Dual Reg with Batley, and they’re going well at the minute so they’re quite rightly playing their own players because they’re winning games and not got too many injuries. We need another avenue, so Newcastle with their situation, if we can help them out by sending some younger players, but also some first team senior players, that will help them as well.”

“They’re getting the benefit of our players, whether it’s younger lads or more senior players, it helps them. They’re full of University kids after what happened there in the off season, so they need some more players from a proper Rugby League background to give them a bit of a lift.

Head Coach of Newcastle Thunder, Chris Thorman also had his say and expressed his gratitude that the partnership has come to fruition.

“In order for us to be competitive this season, we need to compliment our young squad with some experience and with players that are already in good pathways. This agreement with Castleford allows us to do that and we’re very grateful for Danny and Craig’s help.”

Castleford Tigers Director of Rugby Danny Wilson explained the reason behind striking this partnership with Thunder and how this can benefit both clubs.

“The emerging talent group at Castleford comes down to player development and they need to play as often as they can. This partnership with Newcastle provides us with an opportunity for our young players. They will have our Reserves, which is every other week, and with the Dual Reg with Newcastle, it gives them an opportunity if not selected for the First team, to get game time. For Newcastle, they’re in a rebuilding phase as a club and they’re grateful for any support we can offer as and when it is needed.”