“We need reinforcements” – Castleford Tigers set for immediate loan signings

Castleford Tigers got their first Super League win of the season against Salford Red Devils but it has come at the expense of a further four injuries prompting Craig Lingard to call for “reinforcements”.

Lingard had spoken earlier in the week about the possibility of ‘marquee names’ being signed later in the season potentially, but right now it looks to be the case that they just need bodies to ensure they can field a full squad.

That’s because Lingard told BBC Radio Leeds after the game 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.”

Lingard had previously revealed the club were “constantly asking questions” and “constantly talking to other clubs and agents” but admitted they were reliant on other clubs to make any loan deals happen.

Craig Lingard provides update on hospitalised Castleford Tigers forward

One of those 15 unavailable players is prop George Lawler who it was revealed had suffered a seizure during the week which had in turn led to his hospitalisation and the discovery of a bleed on his brain.

Castleford Tigers released a short statement at the time which read: “Castleford Tigers can confirm that George Lawler suffered a seizure through the night at home and was taken to hospital.

“Scans have shown George has a small bleed on his brain. He’s awake and feeling well. He will be spending the weekend in hospital for observation and will undergo further testing and specialist involvement.”

Fans at The Jungle paid tribute to their number ten with a chant of ‘There’s only one George Lawler’ in the tenth minute and Lingard also spoke on how the club will continue to support the 28-year-old.

Lingard paid tribute to the forward himself, stating: “Obviously, George is closely within our thoughts and sport takes a back seat when you talk about the health of an individual. First and foremost we need to make sure that George is healthy and well and then we can think about sport after that.

“We’ll do all we can for George and give him the support that he needs and help him through his rehab and hopefully he gets back out on the field, but ultimately he needs to be healthy and well for his family.”