“Certainly open to it” – Castleford Tigers boss puts star player in shop window

Castleford Tigers head coach, Craig Lingard, has confirmed he is open to the departure of one of his key players. Danny Richardson joined the Tigers in 2019, from St Helens, and has been an important member of their squad since.

However, he has found himself out of the first-team picture in recent weeks, with recent recruit Rowan Milnes favoured over Richardson.

Now, speaking to BBC Radio Leeds, the Castleford boss confirmed that Richardson can allowed to leave the club. The Tigers are open to allow Richardson to leave on an initial loan deal.

Recently, Castleford have been on a signing spree themselves as they’ve brought in a host of loanees to aid their efforts and flesh out their depleted squad.

“Danny needs to play” – Craig Lingard calls out for loan offers for playmaker

Lingard explained that Richardson had approached him to discuss his lack of playing time with the Castleford Tigers’ boss agreeing that Richardson needed to be playing regular, first-team rugby.

He explained: “Well Danny needs to play. I’ve had that conversation with Danny this week, and if teams come in then we’ll have that conversation if that’s beneficial to him.

“We’re in a slightly better position at this moment in time because Macca’s (Paul McShane) back now. So, if we do get an injury on that initial two-week period, if he does go out on loan, then we’ve got Macca who can drop into that half-back.

“So, you know, we’re a little bit less reluctant to let him go out on loan and play now.”

Final year of contract at Castleford Tigers

Richardson, who is now in the final year of his deal at the Jungle, has made 51 appearances for the club. He missed the entire 2023 season through injury after a horrific knee injury ruled him out for 18 months.

Now that Richardson is fully fit he wants to demonstrate his value as a Super League player. Lingard knows he needs to play to earn a new contract for 2025.

“Danny’s in his last year of his contract so he knows where he is and he knows what he needs to do.

“Whether that’s playing with us and earning a contract or playing somewhere else to put himself in the shop window, that’s down to him.

“But it’s certainly something we would be open to if it worked out for both parties.”

Should Richardson head out on loan somewhere else then it could potentially facilitate more recruitment for Castleford who have been very open about their desire to make signings.