New Castleford Tigers head coach Ryan Carr has confirmed the club’s captain for the 2026 season after Sam Wood’s departure.
Wood was made captain by Danny McGuire with the outside back the top of a large leadership group that featured the likes of Alex Mellor and Joe Westerman.
However, as the season progressed and Wood lost form and ultimately his place in the squad, as well as McGuire losing his job, Castleford saw different players take the armband.
Alex Mellor was the primary one with the second-rower already part of the previously established leadership group and the forward has now been confirmed as the club’s captain for 2026 as well.
In a video shared to the Castleford Tigers social media, Ryan Carr presented Mellor with the role in front of the squad as he explained why he had opted for the 31-year-old forward.
Alex Mellor confirmed as new Castleford Tigers captain
Carr, speaking to the playing group, confirmed Mellor as the captain ahead of the Tigers match against St Helens.
“We’re blessed with a lot of good leaders here,” Carr opened up as he explained it was on everyone to lead, before ultimately naming his captain.
“For me, it’s not really down to any one person but someone does have to lead us out and I just want to make sure that we start with that process tomorrow and that will continue for every game we play.”
Mellor was then confirmed to rapturous applause from the playing group, suggesting that he was a very popular choice, with Mellor then addressing the group.
“It’s an honour to lead you boys out. I think there are a lot of us in this room that have been through some pretty dark years here but with the belief that Carry’s brought and the belief and the will to win, I really do think we can go on and do something special,” Mellor said.
Not only does he assume the role of captain but he also does it in the club’s 100th anniversary year with his first game as club captain coming today against St Helens.
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Captain Alex Mellor 🐯 pic.twitter.com/sDxDI0DhtO
— Castleford Tigers (@CTRLFC) January 24, 2026
