What Danny McGuire said as Castleford Tigers sign Tom Amone including quota admission

Castleford Tigers are facing a tricky decision after recruiting Australian prop Tom Amone.

The former Leigh Leopards and Canterbury Bulldogs man has signed for Castleford Tigers until the end of this season and will join Hull KR on a three-year contract in 2026.

Amone is set to arrive in England later this week and is expected to make his debut when the Tigers visit Huddersfield Giants on Saturday, April 26.

But – as Castleford already have a full overseas quota – an existing Tigers import will have to be released before Amone can play.

“That’s on-going, behind the scenes,” Castleford coach Danny McGuire confirmed ahead of Thursday’s derby at Wakefield Trinity.

 “I can’t really say too much at the minute, but we are going to have to create a space for Tom to jump in.

“We are still working through the process of how that’s going to be done and who that is. We feel like we need to keep strengthening and improving and getting stronger and that’s what we are trying to do.

“Some of the players are working hard here and some will be on the journey for a good number of years. Some might not be on it for long – we’ve just got to keep trying to get better.”

Why Castleford Tigers signed Tom Amone

All Tigers’ quota players are in the 21-man squad for this week’s match.  McGuire added: “The quota stuff will become more apparent after this game.

“Our focus this week has been on Wakefield and making sure, after a short turnaround, we are prepared for a really important game.

“It’s a derby, there’s a bit more meaning for everybody so there should be no excuses. I am looking for us to go there and play really well.”

Amone’s fellow front-rowers Hugo Salabio and Jordan Dezaria are both set to feature after joining Tigers on loan from Hull FC and Catalans Dragons respectively.

McGuire reckons the trio of newcomers will “add some competition in an area we’ve been looking to strengthen”.

He said: “We’ve been looking to add a bit of presence. Physically we have probably struggled a bit at times this year so Jordan and Hugo and Tom will help us in that area and it adds competition for places, keeping the players accountable, on their toes and hungry.

“I am looking forward to seeing them play. It is good business and I think there’s maybe a bit more to do on top of this. Recruitment is on-going, we maybe still need a bit of cover in the outside-backs.”

Castleford Tigers are pleased to announce the signing of ‘powerhouse’ prop Tom Amone from Canterbury Bulldogs with immediate effect; to the end of the current Betfred Super League Season #COYF pic.twitter.com/QSat95TbJ1

— Castleford Tigers (@CTRLFC) April 15, 2025