Ex-Castleford Tigers man returns to former club after Super League release

One of the players that Castleford Tigers released at the conclusion of the 2024 season has signed a new deal with a former club.

Samy Kibula was confirmed as one of nine to depart the Tigers at the end of the 2024 campaign and now the 25-year-old has found himself a club for 2025.

The prop forward has re-signed with former club Batley Bulldogs, whom he had moved from when making the move to Castleford Tigers ahead of the 2024 season.

His exit from and re-signing with Batley brings us full circle with Kibula never truly cementing his place at the Super League outfit, as exemplified by the club not triggering the 12-month option in his contract.

Having played just six times for the Tigers, he has now found himself back in the Championship and at his former club with Batley Bulldogs announcing his re-signing via their social media earlier today.

Ex-Castleford Tigers man returns to former club

Kibula was one of the signings made by former Castleford Tigers coach Craig Lingard with the ex-Batley boss bringing the prop with him to Wheldon Road.

It wouldn’t work out in his first and only season with just the six appearances in and amongst loan and dual registration spells with Featherstone Rovers and Batley.

As such, he would play more Championship games in 2024 than he did Super League games as he racked up a total of nine appearances in the second tier.

Kibula made 19 appearances for Batley during the 2023 season with the former Wigan Warriors and Warrington Wolves man with Castleford Tigers being his third Super League side.

His exit saw him depart the club alongside Paul McShane, Corey Hall, Daniel Hindmarsh, Elie El-Zakhem, Jacob Miller, Brad Martin, Luis Johnson and Nixon Putt.

There’s already been major turnover at The Jungle since Kibula’s exit with Martin Jepson assuming near 100% control of the club and a new coaching staff employed. They’ve also announced the signing of half-back Daejarn Asi whilst hinting at further recruitment as well.

Signed with the invaluable support of @BISSA_ .

Huge crowd favourite Samy Kibula is back with The Bulldogs for 2025 👏💥👊 pic.twitter.com/c70yx0L3PT

— Batley Bulldogs RLFC (@BatleyRLFC) October 31, 2024