Lee Radford has say on further signings as he explains why Super League clubs can’t sign “tier one internationals”

This week, ahead of Castleford Tigers’ second pre-season clash against Keighley Cougars, Tigers boss Lee Radford spoke about his squad with the squad numbers set to be unveiled tonight.

The Tigers have added the likes of Gareth Widdop from Warrington Wolves, Jacob Miller from Wakefield Trinity, Muizz Mustapha and Jack Broadbent from Leeds Rhinos and Albert Vete from Hull KR for the new season.

When asked if there could be further signings, Radford revealed there would have to be wider “movement” to facilitate any transfer.

“No not unless there is any movement, if you have a look at our squad it’s a fair all squad in terms of numbers,” Radford told Tigers TV.

That said, there could be a signing in the shape of Ryan Hampshire as Radford said of the injured out of contract back:

“We’ll wait and see, he has just literally got back on the field for his first official run. So there is no movement there, but he is doing well with his rehab.

“His contract is currently expired, but we want to get him right and give him the opportunity to put his best foot forward.

“I thought he was really good for us last year, cap determines a lot of what you can do but the priority is getting him fit and right and any club should do the same.”

This came as Radford was asked if he could use his experience with Samoa in the Rugby League World Cup to tempt some of their players to Castleford. He felt that would be difficult in Super League:

“In terms of the Samoan boys, there salary cap has gone up so the chances of picking up a tier one international is very difficult.”