Tigers complete permanent signing

Castleford Tigers have confirmed Gareth O’Brien has signed a three-year deal with the club after signing permanently from Toronto Wolfpack.

The 29-year old joined the club back in August initially on loan for the remainder of the 2020 season and would have returned to his parent club Toronto next year if the Canadian club’s entry to Super League had been granted.

O’Brien quickly embedded himself well in the squad and in his eight Tigers appearances this season scored three tries and converted seven goals.

The addition of O’Brien to Castleford’s 2021 squad adds further competition for starting spots in the Tigers’ matchday squad, for both the fullback and halfback spots with Niall Evalds, Jake Trueman and Danny Richardson also in the team.

O’Brien said after signing: “I’m very grateful for the opportunity to continue my stay at the Tigers and I’m really looking forward to the next three years.

“Since joining it’s been great, I settled in really quickly, the boys have been great and the coaches have been fantastic. It’s been a difficult year for everyone, and I think we’re a bit glad to see the back of it and we’re all looking forward to 2021.

“I can slot into both halfback and fullback and that gives us some good options for next year. I’ll be putting everyone on their toes, it’s healthy and helps the competition that a squad needs. I’m looking forward to it.”

Head Coach Daryl Powell added: “I think Gaz showed what an experienced half can add, either playing at half or fullback, he’s pretty flexible and he has been great for us. With Jordan Rankin going home he ended up being a key signing and whichever position he played in he was very good, and we’re delighted he has taken up the offer to stay with us.

“He has great experience, can kick, run, pass the ball, be very dangerous and adds real competition for places at fullback and halfback which is a great situation to be in.

“It’s been tough for all the Toronto players not really knowing where their future lies and so there was a bit of flexibility there for Gaz. He’s fitted in well and so we were happy to give him some security if Toronto did not work out for him, so we are very happy he will be a Tigers player going forward.”