Shock future confirmed for Super League forward

A lot of Super League stars at Leeds Rhinos, Wigan Warriors, Hull FC and across Super League are already confirmed as leaving their current clubs ahead of big moves in 2024.

There has been a lot of movement at Castleford Tigers lately who in an ambition to avoid relegation have made a lot of late business for the here and now including drafting in Blake Austin from Leeds Rhinos in a huge shock to everyone.

This move was helped along by a move for former Hull KR star Albert Vete to League One side Doncaster to the surprise of a few.

However, the club have confirmed that he will not be going anywhere in 2024.

Danny Wilson, who is in charge of recruitment, said:

“We are near enough done but we do have a space now to do something if we thought it was right. It was really important for Albie to get that game time because he’ll be someone who is with us in the future so that will help his development.”

He reflected on recruitment in general saying:

“It’s been a testing period on a few levels because we’ve been working hard since March, April time really. We’ve spoken to about 70 players over that time whether that be overseas or domestically.

“It’s challenging because there are a few things that go into it. First and foremost, you have to identify that talent and we’ve got some good agents in this country and abroad. Overseas we have a couple of good guys who work with us, and I’d like to give a mention to Josh who works over in Australia who works tirelessly. The time difference is difficult because I’ll be up all night speaking to him and the next day when it’s my working day he’ll be up all night.

“That process of identifying players is important to make sure the players fit what we want. Then it’s about agreeing the finances and making sure everything is right and then it’s getting the release from the clubs they are at. Another aspect to consider is the player being eligible for a visa which is tricky when targeting the overseas market, however, the World Cup last year helped us with international appearances being part of the criteria.

“We had a really exciting player lined up and we were excited about him coming over. We’d gone through that process and agreed terms but then his club wouldn’t release him. That was a hard one to take because that was after about two weeks of negotiations.

“Being patient is important because you can make decisions that are not quite right and can have an adverse effect. You can take away from the group by adding people that are not quite right.

“You get a lot of players thrown at you so you have to do your due diligence with that, and we have done the best we can.”