One Castleford Tigers academy product has left the club without making a first-team appearance and has joined a Championship club permanently.
Announcing the signing ahead of yesterday’s registration deadline, Cumbrian side Whitehaven have agreed a deal with 20-year-old Woody Walker, who will now remain at the club for the next two seasons.
Walker, who can play anywhere across the pack, made his senior debut for Newcastle Thunder in 2025, and played six games for them in League One. This year, as well as featuring for the Tigers’ reserves side, he has headed north to Haven, where he has made four appearances so far.
Coming off the bench twice and also starting at loose forward, he scored his first senior try in last weekend’s win over Dewsbury Rams.
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Castleford Tigers pair make Championship loan moves
Also on the outer at Wheldon Road are Aidan Doolan and Alfie Lindsey, both of whom have joined Widnes Vikings on loan for the rest of the season.
Doolan, who has been on loan at Hunslet RLFC in recent weeks, was initially recalled by the Tigers, who then sent him out to the Vikings, who are competing much higher in the Championship table.
Lindsey made a try-scoring debut against Catalans last year, but hasn’t made a first-team appearance this year, and has instead spent six games on loan at Halifax, though the last of those came in April.
Commenting on the pair’s arrival, Widnes boss Allan Coleman said: “It’s great to get Aiden Doolan over the line, he’s been with us previously, but just didn’t get enough time with us having two hookers.
“He went away and has since thrived in a full-time environment. Everywhere he’s been on loan, he’s been outstanding.
“We like his honesty, his hard work, and how he plays the game. If we lose bodies, we need quality to stay in contention for trophies, and we feel like we’ve brought quality in with Aiden, so I’m really looking forward to working with him again.
“Alfie Lindsey will make his debut next week against Sheffield, we just need to keep strength in depth, quality, numbers, and intensity in training so we can compete in the big games that are around the corner.”
“He’ll play next Thursday with the intention of working his way into a competition for a shirt in the [1895 Cup] final.
“I’m really looking forward to having them both, and we can’t thank Chris Chester and Castleford enough.”
