Castleford Tigers star Joe Westerman gives defiant message following difficult start to season

If there is one new signing that has impressed in 2022 then it is Joe Westerman.

Rejoining his boyhood club Castleford Tigers from neighbours Wakefield Trinity, the skilful loose-forward has been an ever present for Lee Radford’s side this season.

In fact, Westerman’s form has been so impressive that he has been backed to claim an England spot at the World Cup at the end of the year.

For now, though, the number 13 will be in the squad for Castleford’s clash against Trinity tomorrow night.

“The derby, for me, when I was growing up was against Leeds,” Westerman told Sky Sports. “That was the main one, or it was Cas against Fev.

“But it’s massive now, isn’t it, Castleford against Wakefield? Especially seeing as they haven’t beaten us for that long.

“If you lose, you’re staying in for the weekend, you’re not going anywhere – you can’t get your breakfast in Cas town centre if you lose. It’s a big game and it’s going to be big for both teams.”

For Westerman, he is enjoying being back where it all started, but he wants to win trophies at the Jungle.

“I love being back at the club” Westerman continued. “It’s where I started, it’s where, as a young boy, I watched them and followed them around the country.

“It would be nice if we’d won a few more, but I think that’s coming. It’s a dream for me to be back here and hopefully win something before I hang my boots up.”