Castleford Tigers have landed their third NRL signing for the 2027 season and it’s a third player to hail from coach Ryan Carr’s former club, St George Illawarra Dragons.
Tyrell Sloan has penned a two-year deal at the OneBore Stadium from 2027, with the speedster following in the footsteps of hooker Damien Cook and winger Mat Feagai, both of whom had also played under Ryan Carr.
Sloan’s signing was officially announced on Friday evening, though it had been much-reported in the months prior, whilst owner Martin Jepson inadvertently let slip Sloan’s signing in a video update the day prior.
In his own video interview, shared on the Castleford Tigers’ YouTube channel, Sloan explained that the fact both Cook and Feagai are making the switch was a big influence, as well as the chance to play under Ryan Carr again.
“I’m very excited. I’m joining a good team and I get to join my mates that are coming over as well, so I’m looking forward to that and to link up with an old coach,” he said, before admitting that following his Dragons’ teammates was a boost.
“Definitely, we speak pretty much every day that we’re at training. We’ve got a job to do here but we’re pretty excited to come and join Cas next year.
“I’m pretty much on the phone every week to Carry and Chris as well, so I’m looking forward to it.”
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Castleford Tigers land Tyrell Sloan on two-year deal
Sloan would also reveal that the move almost came about this year but that Ryan Carr urged him to play on in the NRL, claiming he still had more to give in the competition down under.
The 24-year-old said: “Originally, I asked Carry to try and come for this year and he knocked it back and told me it would be too selfish of him to take me this year and he definitely thinks that I have more to do in the NRL this year, and I have to agree with him there.
“But the opportunity (to move for 2027) arose midway through this year and here we are now. The chats we’ve been having are about where this team can go and how exciting it is with the team brought together and the signings that have been made.”
As for what he’ll bring, he was clear: “Definitely my speed, my running game, I’ve always had that label of how quick I am.
“I see the team now with (Jason) Qareqare as one of the speedsters, and I’m looking forward to linking up with him and also Maps (Krystian Mapapalangi) in that left centre.”
Director of rugby Chris Chester also spoke of Sloan’s speed when commenting on the signing: “We’re delighted to bring Tyrell Sloan to Castleford Tigers. He’s an exciting player with genuine pace, athleticism and the ability to change a game in an instant.
“At just 24, he already has valuable NRL experience, and we believe there’s still plenty of growth in his game. Ryan Carr knows Tyrell well, and we’re confident our environment will help him reach his full potential.
“He’s exactly the type of player we want to bring to this club as we continue building a squad capable of challenging in Super League. We’re looking forward to welcoming Tyrell and his family to Castleford.”
