Former Leigh Leopards prop Tom Amone has already proved his worth after just a week with Castleford Tigers, coach Danny McGuire reckons.
Amone is set for his Tigers debut in Saturday’s game at Huddersfield Giants after joining Castleford from NRL giants Canterbury Bulldogs on a deal until the end of this season. He will move to Hull KR to begin a three-year contract in 2026.
“He is a champion fella, really excited to be here and wants to be part of us moving forward for the rest of the season,” McGuire said of the new recruit, who was a Challenge Cup winner with Leigh two years ago.
“He has probably had more of an impact on the squad than he knows, because of his personality, the way he carries himself and the respect the players have for him and for what he has done in his previous time at Leigh.
“It didn’t quite work for him in the NRL, but he is committed and wants to help us move forward as a club. He has been really positive for us in his first week.”
Tom Amone impact assessed as Castleford Tigers boss speaks on Sylvester Namo release
McGuire confirmed: “He will be straight in there on Saturday, he has trained every day and I think he is excited.
“The NRL opportunity came about and I don’t think he regrets that, but I think he thinks he has missed a bit of time and wants to get back in, play week-in and week-out and keep progressing.
“He is working on his leadership skills and has a really good group here which he can develop and help.
“I think our group’s looking for somebody to lead and for our players to follow and I think he will be a great example.”
Sylvester Namo was released by Tigers to make room for Amone on their overseas quota. Explaining that decision, McGuire said: “Sylvester was really good for us and a champion player and person.
“Quota spots are really valuable and Sly was in and out of the team and not playing many minutes. He was the one we sort of had to sacrifice.
“It’s never easy, but it’s the way the game is going. Things happen throughout the season and you rarely start with the same squad you finish with.
“We just felt that was the right way to do things. The conversation wasn’t easy, but if you’re wanting to get better and improve you’ve got to make tough decisions at times.”
“Strongest 17 all year” for Castleford versus Huddersfield
Rd. 9 Giants Squad Locked In…. pic.twitter.com/CjhDaPTsar
— Castleford Tigers (@CTRLFC) April 24, 2025
Brad Singleton is back in contention after injury and George Griffin and Cain Robb are both vying for a call into the 17, so – despite losing Jason Qareqare to long-term injury – McGuire admitted he has had to “have some tough conversations this week”.
He said: “It’s what you want, you want competition. We’ve probably got a stronger 17 out this week than we’ve had all year and I am excited to see them go out and perform.”
Giants are yet to win this season, but Tigers have just one victory from the opening eight Super League games.
McGuire stressed: “It is a big game. Huddersfield are desperate, but we are as well. I don’t see any reason why we don’t turn up with the right attitude and play well.”
