Lee Radford says Castleford Tigers halfback could miss the 2023 campaign

Ahead of their pre-season friendly clash against Keighley Cougars tomorrow, Castleford Tigers boss Lee Radford spoke about pre-season and how he is set to use it to prepare for what he hopes will be a big year for the Tigers in the 2023 Super League season.

This came as Radford said he felt the Tigers were underdone last season because of injuries:

“I say we were underdone last season, what I mean by that is the likes of Jordan Turner had hardly any pre-season, Paul McShane missed three quarters of pre-season, as did Adam Milner.

“We were physically underdone in terms of reps on the training field because they were returning to the field.

“Fortunately there is only Callum McLelland in that position at the moment.”

He also gave an update on Callum McLelland:

“Really disappointing, he signed him on the impression that he would be back last April. To lose another half for the season was disappointing, then it was all systems go for this year.

“We need a progression in him.

“It’s one of them, I don’t want to predict something and it doesn’t come off.”

Making matter w0rse, Radford said that fellow halfback Danny Richardson will be out for the season after surgery.

“With Danny Richardson being out for the season with his injury, we’re short in that position already.”

This may be why he was given the number 37 shirt last night.