Rating each club’s transfers: Castleford Tigers

At the start of this new series of articles, we look at the signings made by Super League clubs ahead of the 2020 season.

We start with Castleford Tigers, who are looking to build on last season’s fifth place finish.

In

Tyler Hepi (Toulouse)

George Griffin (Salford Red Devils)

Derrell Olpherts (Salford Red Devils)

Sosaia Feki (Cronulla Sharks)

Jordan Rankin (Huddersfield Giants)

Danny Richardson (St Helens)

Out

Kieran Gill (Newcastle Thunder)

Joe Wardle (Huddersfield Giants)

Mitch Clark (Wigan Warriors)

Cory Aston (London Broncos)

Will Maher (Hull KR)

Greg Minikin (Hull KR)

Tuoyo Egodo (London Broncos)

Jamie Ellis (Hull KR)

Analysis

The Tigers will no doubt be hit by the loss of Luke Gale for the 2020 season. Even though he hasn’t had the best recent record with injuries, his presence around the dressing room will almost certainly be missed.

They have gone with a signing for the future to replace him, in former St Helens prodigy Danny Richardson. He enjoyed a stunning breakthrough year with the Saints, as he finished top points scorer in the league with 325 points to his name.

However, he struggled to make an impact in 2019 and spent time on loan at Leigh Centurions. It will be hoped can rediscover his early form for the Saints at Cas.

The Tigers had lost several outside backs, with Greg Minikin, and Tuoyo Egodo moving on to pastures new, but they responded to that by adding an NRL winner to their ranks, as Sosaia Feki signed from 2016 premiers Cronulla Sharks. Derrell Olpherts also signed from Salford to add a bit more depth.

In addition, the Tigers have also bolstered their pack with the additions of Tyler Hepi from Toulouse and George Griffin from Salford Red Devils. Both will add a bit of experience.

Overall, the Tigers squad does look strong on paper, but time will certainly tell in terms of how strong they will be in 2020. However, it does look like a fast team, that cause problems for sides next year.

Rating 

8/10