Former Castleford Tigers man Elie El-Zakhem is training with NRL outfit North Queensland Cowboys ahead of the 2025 season. The forward was released by Castleford at the end of the 2024 Super League campaign after spending just one season in West Yorkshire.
The Lebanon international made 26 appearances and scored two tries in the black and amber of Castleford after joining the club from North Sydney Bears. He signed a two-year deal at the time, but saw that contract cut short with the back-rower citing home sickness as the main reason for his departure.
However, it seems El-Zakhem has wasted no time in finding new opportunities Down Under, with the 26-year-old being seen training with the Cowboys. It’s not clear at this point whether he has penned a deal with the Townsville-based outfit and it seems he may well be with the club on a train and trail basis for the time being.
El-Zakhem has never played in the NRL, with the New South Wales Cup being the highest level he has played at Down Under, having spent time in the second string at Canterbury Bulldogs, Parramatta Eels and Sydney Roosters.
Having caught the eye at Wheldon Road, though, he will be confident in his ability of making the step up at some point in 2025.
Speaking about his decision to cut his time with Castleford Tigers short after just one season, El-Zakhem told League Express earlier this month: “I left the club just because I was just homesick to be honest.
“I left on good terms with the club and they respected my decision when I asked for a release.
“I haven’t ruled out coming back to play in the UK and I would definitely be open to it but my main priority now is finding a club in Australia closer to home.”
