Tyrell Sloan is one of the high-profile NRL recruits made by Castleford Tigers for the 2027 season, and one of his incoming teammates has tipped the speedster to be crowned Super League Man of Steel.
The 24-year-old fullback is set to make the move to Wheldon Road alongside St George Illawarra Dragons teammates Matty Feagai and veteran Australian hooker Damien Cook.
Speaking on his move to West Yorkshire, Cook heaped praise on both of his departing Dragons teammates, backing Sloan to make a game-changing impact in England similar to Wigan Warriors duo Bevan French and Jai Field.
“Everyone knows what Sloany can do,” Cook said. “I think Matty Feagai is someone who has gone very underrated this year. What he’s done for us, especially in yardage, with his carries getting us off to a great start and with the skill he has, I think he’s going to kill it over there.
“Sloany definitely will. Everyone knows that speed kills, you see what Bevan French and Jai Field do. Sloany has got that.”
“Man of Steel – he’s a great chance” – Damien Cook backs Tyrell Sloan to thrive in Super League
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When asked if it was too early in Sloan’s career to make the move across the hemisphere, Cook admitted Castleford stepped up to offer the young fullback the respect and platform he deserved.
“Yes and no,” Cook explained. “There were a few clubs around that were dangling a few carrots but not really giving him what he deserves, but Cas are doing that.
“ I feel like it is the right time. He might go over there, love it, and get the credit that he deserves from the game, because he’s been criticised quite a fair bit here.
“We’re lucky to have him in our side. There are games that we’ve only won or were competitive in because of some of the things he can do on the field. I feel like it could go two ways: he goes over there, plays the two years, builds a bit of confidence, kills it, Man of Steel – he’s a great chance. Why not? And then obviously get a deal back here if he wants to.”
While a potential return to Australia down the track remains an option, Cook believes the style of play in Super League could see Sloan fall in love with the English game for the long haul.
“There’s also the other option where he might get over there and enjoy it so much and just love it that he does what those other boys have done, and stay there and play another eight years,” Cook added. “I don’t know which way he’ll do. Do I think his time in the NRL is done? I don’t think so, but the way they’ll love him over there, the style of footy it is over there, it wouldn’t shock me if he goes ‘Nah, I’m not going back’.
“I think he will, but he’ll go over and do a great job for Castleford, however long, and the success we have will come off the back of him.”
