Castleford Tigers sign up hot prospect in major deal

Castleford Tigers have confirmed that 18-year-old Jason Qareqare has signed a two-year contract extension with the club, keeping him at Wheldon Road until the end of the 2024 season.

A proud product of the Tigers youth system, the Fijian-born outside back has been with the Tigers since he was 15 years old after joining our Scholarship programme from local community club Kippax Welfare. Jason continued his development with our Academy system before making his senior debut last June against Hull FC.

In one of Betfred Super League’s most memorable debuts, Qareqare burst onto the scene scoring a remarkable try with his first touch of the ball just 44 seconds into his maiden senior game. The fullback/winger has notched on a further three senior appearances now, but he also featured in Yorkshire Academy’s Origin victory over Lancashire, scoring again early in that fixture too.

Widely considered as one of the most promising prospects in the sport, Jason Qareqare has now committed the next two years to the Tigers, a club where he feels very much at home.

“I’ve been here at Cas with the Scholarship, Academy and made my way into the First Team, it’s been home ever since I was a young boy, it’s just been my place that I’ve always wanted to be and being in First Team is a great feeling,” Qareqare told the club.

“I think the environment that’s been built here, there are some firm foundations that Cas believe in, and we train with them as well. Everyone, the players, and the coaching staff are all welcoming ever since I came with Scholarship, everything here is all-round great.”

Qareqare’s unforgettable debut saw him play on the wing, a position he has played in this year with the Reserves side at times such as against Huddersfield Giants Reserves where he scored a hat-trick inside 20 minutes. But the 18-year-old has also been plying his trade at fullback and learning from an England international.

“I’m happy to play in both positions, any game time is game time, and with me playing fullback too I can try increase my expertise on the field.

“Niall Evalds has really helped me during the pre-season, getting to grips with First Team pace and skill he has helped me a lot, as has Greg Eden and all the other wingers as well who have helped me to become the player I am.”