Castleford Tigers signing keen to push for starting spot despite star power in position

Against Featherstone Rovers, new Castleford Tigers signing Jacob Hookem impressed on debut.

Though if Hookem wants to play, he has to beat the likes of their signings from Wakefield Trinity and Warrington Wolves, Jacob Miller and Gareth Widdpp as well as Danny Richardson.

However, he is determined to push for an opportunity next season.

He said on Tigers TV: “I want to stake a claim and prove myself at this level. To get an opportunity like this against a good Fev side which is something I warmed to and enjoyed.

“Every game is a stepping stone and you want to improve. Today was a good outing that we can build on as a team and get better.

“I want to be consistent and performing and leading the team around the park and finishing my sets well.”

This comes after assistant coach Andy Last said he would “have a real opportunity” next season:

“He should have a real opportunity next season, he has come to us from Hull FC. I know Jacob well from my time there, he came and played some first grade games for them and he had an outstanding game at the end of last season against Wakefield.

“I was Wakefield assistant that night in 2021 and he was probably the best player on the pitch that night for Hull. He showed some nice touches that match.

“He’s a real competitor. He showed some nice touches. He probably played a bit erratic in that first half but I thought he controlled things really well in the second half. There is an opportunity there and what he did today will stand in him good going forward.”