Three players that Castleford Tigers could sign due to injury crisis

Castleford Tigers head coach Craig Lingard, amidst an injury crisis in his squad, has called for reinforcements: here are three players that the Tigers should be looking to sign.

The Tigers had their first league win of the season at the weekend, beating Salford Red Devils 36-24 at Wheldon Road, inspired by the try-scoring exploits of Innes Senior.

However, they lost their first six games of the season for the first time in 20 years, and have suffered huge defeats to sides such as Huddersfield Giants, Warrington Wolves and Catalans Dragons, as well as having a scare against Championship side Batley Bulldogs.

It was a fantastic victory over the Red Devils, but their head coach was forced to mention some negatives after the game.

Lingard told BBC Radio Leeds that almost half of his squad are now either injured or carry injury concerns.

He explained: “We’ve lost four bodies today that are potentially out next week. Liam Watts definitely is because he failed his HIA. I would imagine Paul McShane will be out because it’s a hamstring injury again.

“Josh Simm has got an arm in a sling at the minute and he’ll be going to hospital, so I would imagine he’ll be out. Joe Westerman is hobbling around but he’ll probably soldier on as he always does.

“We’re low on bodies, we had 12 people on the treatment bench before today’s game and now we’re up to 15 out of a squad of 31, so we’re a really low number. We need a few reinforcements in this week if we can.”

With that in mind, here are three players that Castleford Tigers should be looking to sign in an immediate loan move.

Who should Castleford Tigers sign?

Jake Bibby

Winger Jason Qareqare is out for another month, and with Luke Hooley’s injury, centre Jack Broadbent has moved into the fullback position.

Therefore, the Tigers may well be looking for a three-quarter signing.

Huddersfield Giants’ Bibby has only recently returned to action, and scored two in two when back in the side.

With plenty of Super League experience, including with Wigan Warriors, he’ll be wanted by teams across the league.

Earlier in the season, Ian Watson admitted that he may want to find him a loan move to “get him up to speed”, and Castleford could be the side for him.

He’s a doubt for the weekend, but could be available when Cas play Wigan in the league, on the 19th of April.

Ryan Hampshire

The utility had an excellent short period at Wheldon Road in 2022, making a big impact in his five games.

He’s struggled for games since returning to the Warriors in 2023, making only his fourth first-team appearance at the weekend, impressing in a victory over London Broncos at Plough Lane.

He’s another player that can play on the wing and in the centres, and could also help out with the Tigers’ full-back problems.

The problem would be that he’d likely be unable to play in either of Castleford’s next two games, as they’d be up against Wigan in both games.

The way round this would be for Wigan to agree to terminate his contract – it’s up at the end of the season and it could be a beneficial move for the player.

He doesn’t seem to be a big part of Matt Peet’s plans this year.

Kieran Hudson / Tom Nicholson-Watton

These two are both props on Leeds Rhinos’ books.

Kieran Hudson was at the Tigers last year, but an Achilles injury ruled him out of the season.

He’s an exciting young player, and would certainly fill a hole, and it would be great to see him finally get an opportunity at the highest level.

Since he wasn’t involved for the Rhinos in their Cup game against Saints, he’d be immediately available for this weekend.

Young Tom Nicholson-Watton is on a season-long loan at York Knights. However, Leeds do have an option to recall him if necessary.

He’d likely be a panic option, as he has incredibly limited Super League experience, but Castleford Tigers don’t have too many options at this stage of the season.