Yesterday saw a battle of the West Yorkshire big cats will be the opening fixture of the calendar year for Cougars as Castleford Tigers visit Cougar Park this Sunday. Billed as Jake Webster’s farewell, this was a fixture that was in the diary last year for Jake’s testimonial but sadly called off due to a frozen pitch.
Jake took to the field for the last time of a storied career, having formally announced his retirement in Spring 2023 when he was appointed to the Director of Rugby role at Keighley. Jake has been a key part of the organisation since joining in 2020, playing a pivotal role in steering Cougars to that undefeated League 1 campaign in 2022 as well as during the home fixture against Bradford Bulls in2023 – setting up a memorable Charlie Graham try in a historic victory.
During his 5 years as a Castleford Tiger Jake became a real fan favourite, scoring 49 tries in 125 appearances. He played in the 2014 Challenge Cup final, Tigers’ first one since 1992, having put in some key performances during the campaign to get to Wembley including scoring in the Semi Final against Widnes. In 2017 Jake once again was a driving force behind historic achievements for Castleford as they sealed the Super League League Leaders shield, finishing top of the top division in Rugby League for the first time in the club’s history.
Webster’s final game
No stranger to Cougar Park, new Castleford Head Coach Craig Lingard brought a strong squad to Cougar Park. The likes Jack Broadbent, George Griffin, Sam Hall, Josh Hodson, Luke Hooley, Liam Horne, Luis Johnson, George Lawler, Paul McShane, Alex Mellor, Jacob Miller, Rowan Miles, Muizz Mustapha, Nixo Putt, Jason Qareqare, Innes Senior, Josh Simm, Charbel Tasipale, Liam Watts, Joe Westerman all featured.
This saw the Tigers storm to a 54-0 win over the Cougars with braces for debutants Josh Hodson and Innes Senior and seven goals for former Leeds Rhinos star Luke Hooley.
Jake Webster was unable to cross for a final try of his career being denied at the death by some brilliant Castleford Tigers defence as they prepare for what they hope will be a better season in 2024.
