Clubs like Leeds Rhinos, Wigan Warriors, Warrington Wolves, Hull FC, Hull KR and Huddersfield Giants have confirmed plenty of new signings for the 2024 season.
But new signings often mean departures, after all recruitment is indeed a two way street.
So many clubs, like Warrington, Hull FC and Huddersfield, have announced departures for 2024 as have Castleford Tigers.
The Tigers have now confirmed further exits. Alex Sutcliffe, Jacob Hookem, Bailey Dawson, Kieran Hudson & Junior Mafi will depart the club at the end of the season.
We thank each one of them for their service to the club and for their hard work this campaign.
Danny Wilson explained the way that the young lads have conducted themselves behind the scenes this season.
“Those lads work as hard as everybody else. What people don’t see is that they are doing the work that the first team do and more each week and each day for a lot less money. They really give everything they can to go and earn their dream and I hope that they continue to chase that.”
“We’ve given them an opportunity and they’ve repaid that with effort tenfold. We’re really grateful for everything they have done and hope they go on and achieve their goal. Jacob has managed to play a game, he’s a gifted footballer.”
“Kieran Hudson. What a pre-season he had. You were looking at him thinking he was going to be a revelation for us, and the next minute you hear a pop and he’s on the floor. It was a devastating injury but he’s fought back to get towards full fitness and he has the path now in front of him.”
Last night the club confirmed the exit of Suaia Matagi and Greg Eden.
Greg made his senior debut for the Fords back in 2011, playing three times that year and scoring once. Following the end of that debut year, Eden moved on to Huddersfield Giants, Hull Kingston Rovers and Salford Red Devils before getting a move to the NRL.
Greg signed for Brisbane Broncos in 2015 playing 7 times before moving back to Castleford.
Since his return, Greg has played 117 times scoring 111 tries bringing his total Castleford appearances to 120.
After 7 consecutive seasons, including a League Leaders Shield and two Challenge Cup Final appearances, Eden will be moving on to pastures new and said…
“It’s been a massive decision for me. This club has been a massive part of my life over the last 7 years and prior to that as well when I was a bit younger. It’s going to be difficult moving away. I think it’s the right thing for me moving away and for the club as well at this point in my career.”
“This club has always been in my heart. I’ve been a fan since I was young. Even when I was away from the club I always looked at Cas and hoped they did well. It’s massive for the town. I love seeing fans every day and I know how much they love the club, as do I. I want to say Thank you to them.”
“We’ve had some good times at this club. I’ve enjoyed it, the biggest part of my career has been here and I can’t thank the fans enough for getting behind me.”
Danny Wilson spoke of Greg’s pending departure to ctrlfc.com.
“Greg is a fans favourite for all the right reasons. He’s a cool character and he’s a nice lad. He scores and takes opportunities very well. The difficult thing with Greg is that he plays 50% of the games because his body isn’t as robust has he was when he was 20. He’s moving on to pastures new, and sometimes a change is as good as a rest. That’s the right thing for him, and it’s the right thing for us.”