Jake Mamo on his move to Castleford Tigers, what stands out about the town and who has impressed him at the club

Jake Mamo is a character that rugby league needs.

Ever the optimist, his infectious energy rubs off on those around him so it’s no surprise that Castleford Tigers new head coach Lee Radford was keen to get him on board after a spell at the Warrington Wolves.

Mamo, however, does still live in Manchester, meaning a tough commute each day for training yet it’s been made easier by the fact that there is a bus of four Lancastrian-living Tigers.

“I do feel quite at home but unfortunately I’m still living in Manchester and driving over the M62 in the morning,” Mamo told BBC Radio Leeds.

‘It’s a great group and everyone is fun – we’ve got the Lancashire bus, with me, Jordan Turner, Danny Richardson and Gaz  O’Brien and you spend that much time with them and you bond.”

Mamo wasn’t pulling any punches when describing just how good this Castleford team can be.

“I think all of us and externally recognise that there is a lot of potential in the team.

“The squad is good and deep and there will be players who should be playing who aren’t.

“There’s still a lot to do and things are starting to come together in training, but it might take a few weeks to get into it.”

The ex-Warrington and Huddersfield man revealed the goals that the squad has set for themselves in 2022 – and believes that the ‘Classy Cas’ moniker could ring even truer.

“I think semi-finals is the ultimate and achievable goal, I think maybe with who we have recruited this year, it may even be more classy.

“We’ve got some skilful players and I can probably play a part in that, who knows?”

Mamo has been impressed with one signing in particular for the Tigers.

“Alex Sutcliffe has impressed me, he’s tough and it’s been good playing next to him in the trial games, he can bang a few in defence too!”