Ex-Castleford Tigers and Wakefield Trinity star Ryan Hampshire set to be given Super League lifeline

Ryan Hampshire is set to be given a Super League lifeline following a shocking ACL injury.

Earlier this season, Hampshire left the field against Catalans Dragons with head coach Lee Radford confirming that the former Wakefield Trinity star would be out for the rest of the year.

Radford said: “It’s disappointing and it is a blow – the timing couldn’t be any worse for him really, but unfortunately, it’s a part of the sport that we play.

“I felt form wise he was in a really good place as he was adding to us and the way we played, so to lose him is obviously a knock for us.”

Now, however, despite confirming that Hampshire would be leaving at the end of the season, the Tigers are set to leave the door open to return.

The club revealed, along with another five, on Hampshire: “Ryan Hampshire re-joined the Fords for his second spell back in March, but it was a tough start for the utility back after picking up a broken hand in his first match back with the Reserves team.

“However, in May against Hull KR, he would make his long-awaited second Cas debut back in the First Team fold. ‘Rocky’ made five appearances this year, scoring twice. In his last game in 2022 he scored against Catalans Dragons but had to come off due to an ACL injury, which has now been operated on and he is on the road to recovery.

“Castleford Tigers can confirm that Ryan Hampshire will continue his ACL rehabilitation with the Tigers despite being off contract at the end of the 2022 season. The club and Ryan will have discussions regarding his future at the Tigers at an appropriate time sometime in the future.”

It would be a major lifeline for Hampshire who has been on the periphery of Super League for the past few seasons after leaving Wakefield.