Now we’re at the halfway point of the 2025 season, it’s time to look at which players could be heading out the door at the end of the season, with a look at the Castleford Tigers contract situation.
The Tigers have a mixture of experience and youth out of contract this season, with a handful of senior forwards hoping to extend their rugby league careers.
There’s also a halfback who’s finally getting some regular game time and a winger who’s stepped up this season when he was not the preferred option.
Currently, there are 10 Castleford Tigers players with deals expiring at the end of the 2025 season, so let’s take a closer look at who they are.
10 Castleford Tigers players out of contract this season
George Griffin
Since joining the Tigers in 2020, he’s made over 100 appearances for the West Yorkshire side, but having just turned 33, he is approaching the autumn of his career. Having said that, he featured heavily for Danny McGuire off the bench in 2025 before the head coach’s departure.
Josh Hodson
The 25-year-old has spent most of 2025 out on loan in the Championship at Widnes Vikings and Sheffield Eagles. Whilst he has made four appearances for the Tigers this season, he was moved from his preferred centre position into the second row. It’s unlikely that he will get a renewal, so he could remain in the Championship for 2026.
Luke Hooley
Currently, Hooley is on loan at Bradford Bulls and is likely to remain there, should the Bulls offer him a contract for 2026.
George Lawler
Ever-present in 2025, Lawler has played just about every position in the pack between prop, second row and loose forward. He’s definitely become a player that the Tigers can rely on in an injury crisis when they’re short on numbers. He turns 30 before the season is out, we imagine he’ll be offered a new deal to remain at Castleford for at least the next season or longer.
Rowan Milnes
Since returning from injury in round five, he’s featured in every game since, forming a partnership with Daejarn Asi. The 27-year-old could be coming into the prime of his career, so the Tigers might want to keep hold of him.
Josh Simm
He’s featured on the wing in the Tigers last 12 games, and that kind of game time could help in the quest for a new contract. Wearing only the 24 shirt, it seems that in pre-season plans it was Jason Qaraqare and Innes Senior who would be his starting wingers. However, Simm is doing what he can in their absence.
Will Tate
Tate spent most of 2024 out injured and sustained an ankle injury back in February that has saw him ruled out until last month’s clash with Wigan Warriors, with the centre scoring twice on his return to action. He’s made just 11 appearances in three seasons at The Jungle, though.
Joe Westerman
At 35, Westerman is currently in his testimonial year, having made his debut for the Tigers back in 2007. It seems as though he will be allowed to dictate whether he plays on into next season and potentially beyond.
Tom Amone
We already know Amone’s time at Castleford Tigers will be short-lived with the forward taking up a deal with Hull KR for next year.
Jeremiah Simbiken
Castleford weren’t clear on the forward’s contract when they signed him in the off-season but he is thought to be off-contract and it’s fair to say this year has been a frustrating one for the Papua New Guinea man
