Super League clubs are starting to assemble their 2025 squads now that the hiring season is officially underway.
Over the following few weeks, Love Rugby League will examine many clubs to analyse their past performance, their projected roster for the upcoming season, and any unmet goals they may still have. It’s Castleford Tigers’ chance to be in the spotlight this time.
athletes with contracts through 2025
The following players from Castleford’s stated first-team roster for this season have contracts that expire at the end of the following season:
Paul McShane, George Lawler, Elie El-Zakhem, Joe Westerman, George Gryphon, Rowan Milnes, Nixon Putt, Josh Hodson, Muizz Mustapha, Sylvester Namo, Will Tate, and Fletcher Rooney. Innes Senior, Louis Senior, Cain Robb, Alex Mellor, Sam Hall, Jason Qareqare, George Hill, Luke Hooley, Josh Simm, Sam Wood.
Who is heading out?
It has already been confirmed that Jack Broadbent will sign a long-term contract with the Robins rather than return to Castleford following his loan period at Hull KR. After this season, Corey Hall’s loan agreement with the Tigers will end because he will sign a contract with Wakefield Trinity in 2025.
Half-back Danny Richardson will not be offered a new contract for 2025, Castleford has already declared. Despite having a favourable choice, they have chosen not to pursue it. He and Broadbent will both be on loan at Hull KR for the remainder of the season.
Who remains unsigned?
Eight Castleford players are currently without contracts as of this writing; their futures are yet unknown.
The contracts of Liam Watts, Liam Horne, Samy Kibula, and Charbel Tasipale have been extended by one year. The contracts of Dan Hindmarsh-Takyi, Brad Martin, Tex Hoy, and Luis Johnson expire at the end of this season.
Is there anyone else that wants to go?
Leigh Leopards is reportedly one of the clubs interested in signing Brad Martin, who is expected to leave at the end of the current campaign. Tex Hoy is reportedly the target of interest from other teams as well, although Castleford is said to have made an agreement with the former Hull FC player to try and keep him.
What is the status of the quota?
With just four confirmed players under contract who are on the quota for next year, Castleford now has a lot of freedom for manoeuvre. It is likely that the Tigers would be eager to retain Liam Horne and the previously mentioned Hoy, so only one seat would be available.
Where are they weakest now?
The Tigers will undoubtedly prioritise fullback if they are unable to retain Hoy. Since Hoy’s arrival at the beginning of this season, Luke Hooley has encountered difficulties in terms of opportunities. This season, Broadbent was sometimes played at fullback ahead of him, which may have been an indication of Lingard’s consideration that a new number one is a priority.
Given that centre was Hall’s favourite position, the fact that he arrived on loan and that Castleford is making an effort to recruit him permanently shows they are also looking for a centre for 2025. Castleford’s decision to sign a new prop may also be influenced by the future of forwards like Watts and Hindmarsh-Takyi who are not under contract.
Once more, Hoy’s future may have an impact on this as well. However, with Miller and Milnes the only available starting half-backs, it seems likely that the Tigers will be searching for a new pivot, possibly even in the absence of a Hoy trade.
However, with only 23 senior players under contract—a figure that will rise if Craig Lingard’s team is able to hold onto players like Horne and Hoy—movement in the other direction regarding contracted players might be necessary for the Tigers to make any significant progress.
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