Castleford Tigers signing out for the season through injury

Castleford Tigers might have got their first win of the Super League season last week but it’s a win that has come at a huge cost with Craig Lingard revealing that one of the club’s signings will miss the remainder of the season.

The Tigers managed to cut down a deficit of eight points twice in their thrilling 36-24 win over Salford Red Devils at The Jungle last week with winger Innes Senior starring as he scored four tries.

Castleford Tigers signed Senior prior to the start of the season in a deal that saw Elliot Wallis head the other way to Huddersfield Giants and last Friday was certainly a breakout game for Senior.

His four tries were all spectacular and showed a wide array of quality with a length-of-the-field carry proving popular with the fans and another that saw him pluck Jacob Miller’s kick from the sky on the wing helped the Tigers head in at the break with a lead.

Senior may have to put together plenty more impressive performances like that as Craig Lingard has revealed that his other winger signed ahead of this season looks to have had his campaign ended.

Castleford Tigers signed ex-St Helens man Josh Simm from down under and the winger had impressed early on in the campaign but it’s a season that’s been cut short for him.

Craig Lingard told BBC West Yorkshire Sport: “Josh Simm dislocated his shoulder in the last couple of minutes and he’s had his scan and it’s unfortunately pretty much going to be a season-ending injury.

“He’s in for an operation next week and it’s a five to six months turnaround on that one so there’s no point rushing him back for the last two or three games and letting him recover from that one.”

Castleford Tigers’ injury crisis

Lingard had revealed how the club are generally having an injury crisis with 13 players confirmed to miss the weekend’s Challenge Cup tie with Wigan, and a further two relying on late fitness checks.

One area that the club are particularly short in is the outside backs with Simms’ injury adding to previous problems that Castleford Tigers had on the wing and in the centres.

Head coach Lingard spoke on the necessity to address that position, revealing: “It’s imperative that we start getting some bodies in now, particularly outside backs because we’re struggling for numbers in outside backs now, so we’re moving people around into positions that it’s not their natural position.”

Among the Tigers’ injury concerns in those positions is youngster Jason Qareqare who is nursing an ankle injury and Will Tate who also remains out.

Lingard did explain that his side are constantly trying the loan market but has explained that it’s an incredibly difficult market to negotiate currently given the Challenge Cup fixtures this weekend, however, he’s hopeful of signings in the next week or two.