ROAR The Official Magazine of Castleford Tigers - Issue 3 March 2021

OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF CASTLEFORD TIGERS

ISSUE 03 • MARCH 2021

INSIDE

SEASON PREVIEW: EVERY SUPER LEAGUE OPPONENT IN 2021

SKIPPER SHENTON ON HUGE SEASON AHEAD

COACH DARYL POWELL AHEAD OF WIRE OPENER

EVALDS ELEVATING HIS GAME FOR 2021

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: LINDSAY ANFIELD + MATCH PREVIEWS + ACADEMY RETURNS! + FOUNDATION

Offer applies to televised Betfred Super League matches. Does not apply to red button matches. Top price compared to Ladbrokes, William Hill, Paddy Power, Coral, Bet365 and Skybet as compared on Oddschecker.com. £500 maximum stake on all matches. Betfred rules apply.

ROAR THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF CASTLEFORD TIGERS

12

CONTACTS The Mend-A-Hose Jungle: 01977 552674 Tigers Den Club Shop: 01977 552499 Ticket Office: 01977 529264 Email: info@castigers.com castlefordtigers.com facebook.com/castlefordtigers twitter.com/ctrlfc STAFF

25

Director of Rugby: Jon Wells Head Coach: Daryl Powell Assistant Coach: Ryan Sheridan Head of Strength & Conditioning: Jordan Fentiman Head Physio: Matt Crowther Head of Youth: Darren Higgins Captain: Michael Shenton BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chairman: Ian Fulton Club President: Brian Ashworth

4

Managing Director: Mark Grattan

I N

Directors: Richard Wright Steve Vause Dion Lowe John Duff ADMINISTRATION General Manager: Richard Pell Head of Commercial Operations: Chris Powell Commercial Manager: Craig Jeffels Accounts Manager: Pam Johnson Media & Marketing Manager: Tom Maguire Ticketing Manager: Mark Gill Daily Draw Manager: Pauline Rhodes HONOURS Challenge Cup: 1934-35, 1968-69, 1969-70, 1985-86 John Player Trophy: 1976-77 Regal Trophy: 1993-94 BBC2 Floodlit Trophy: 1965-66, 1966-67, 1967-68, 1976-77 Yorkshire League Champions: 1932-33, 1938-39, 1964-6 Yorkshire Cup: 1977-78, 1981-82, 1986-87, 1990-91, 1991-92 National League 1 Grand Final Winners: 2005, 2007 National League 1 Champions: 2007 2017 League Leaders’ Shield MATCH PROGRAMME Editors: Sam Armstrong & Tom Maguire Photos: SWPix, Melanie Allatt Photography & OMH Rugby Pictures Magazine designed by Ignition Sports Media Ltd

18

4

33

MAIN INTERVIEW

35

NIALL EVALDS

13

BULLETIN BOARD

14

DARYL POWELL

HEAD COACH

18

MICHAEL SHENTON

INTERVIEW

22

SEASON PREVIEW

25

MATCH PREVIEW

26

YOUTH DEPARTMENT

30

WOMENS RUGBY Q&A

T H I S

I S S U E

MICK MORGAN CASTLEFORD HERITAGE

37

SEASON FIXTURE UPDATE

33

39

ACADEMY RUGBY RETURNS

40

FOUNDATION OVERVIEW

45

39

MEET THE PLAYERS

50

2021 PLAYER SPONSORS

52

CLUB PARTNERS

40 www.castlefordtigers.com February 2021

3

ROAR THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF CASTLEFORD TIGERS

main feature

EVALDS AMBITIOUS FOR 2021

Castleford Tigers’ fans far and wide must have rejoiced when it was announced that one of Super League’s brightest talents was heading to Wheldon Road in the form of Niall Evalds. The capture of Salford’s superstar fullback is one of this offseason’s biggest moves across all of Super League, but despite this, the 27-year old isn’t fazed by the weight of expectations that come with his move across the Pennines.

“I don’t feel any extra pressure, there’s pressure to play Super League games every day. I’ve grown up putting pressure on myself to always be the best, to always perform and I don’t really feel the pressure too much, I just go out and enjoy myself. I think that’s when I play the best. I just try to put in all the hard work early: Train well, I do everything off the pitch well, and what happens on the pitch follows that. I think people probably expect a lot of me, and I expect a lot of myself.”

Having had time to bed-in since he first talked to ROAR at the start of January, Evalds has had time to bed in and gauge the mood in and around the ground after having over two months to get to work with his new teammates and Daryl Powell:

Niall is proudly sponsored by Ergo Real Estate, a sponsor who knows the Castleford community well, and one who specifically wanted to support some of the club’s top talent after hearing of his move to the club.

“We’re all excited which is strange really, we’ve done probably the bulk of our hard work now in preseason, so it’s more about sharpening up and getting our game plans refined and things like that, so there’s a lot more skill in play.”

“It’s always nice to hear things like that and for people like that to back me and the club and especially with everything going on with Covid, it means everything to the players, and we don’t take that for granted, and like I said before, hopefully we can repay their faith on the pitch when we get playing.

As the start of the season draws closer with Cas due to play Warrington on the 28th of March in Round one of the Betfred Super League, the Tigers’ new signing is embracing being able to run through patterns of play and the shift away from conditioning which forms the early part of preseason.

4

“In a word it’s good! Everyone has been really positive, we make a real emphasis on being positive. I think the coaching staff are a key part of that, they’re bringing that energy every day, and as players we’re just following that really!”

February 2021 www.castlefordtigers.com

ROAR THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF CASTLEFORD TIGERS

www.castlefordtigers.com February 2021

5

feature interview ROAR THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF CASTLEFORD TIGERS

PROUD SPONSORS OF CASTLEFORD TIGERS 2021 - COYF!! pr

CBR Engineering Ltd provides innovative design, manufacturing and installation services to various industries throughout the United Kingdom.

For more information please visit www.cbrengineering.co.uk, call 01977 519191 or email sales@cbrengineering.co.uk

Certified to the following standards: BSEN1509001, BSEN15014001, BS0HSAS18001, BSEN1090-1 EXC3 and BSEN3834-2

6

February 2021 www.castlefordtigers.com

ROAR THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF CASTLEFORD TIGERS

“This is probably the time of year that as players, we enjoy a bit more, you can get your hands on the ball a bit more. It’s not so much running round, you can express yourself with the ball. It’s come around quick to be honest and now we’re just a few weeks away from a massive game against Warrington.

I think we finish the weekend, we’re the last game and everyone’s just extra excited about that.”

There’s a great deal of excitement and expectation for his move, however whenever discussions begin to circulate about Super League’s top fullback, Evalds is characteristically humble and insists that simply being able to compete and challenge himself every day at a Super League level is the biggest indictment of his achievements so far.

“It takes a lot to play in Super League in general really - I don’t consider myself to be a top fullback, I just have the mindset that I want to improve every day.

I don’t ever feel like I’ve ‘made it’ or anything like that, and yeah there are a lot of good fullbacks in the league, a lot of competition and I’ve always had the mentality

around improving and being the best that I can be.

It’s been a gradual progression for me, it’s not come quickly. It still takes a lot of hard work from the coaching staff and everyone else to put the whole package together, and I’m happy with where I am at, but there’s always room to improve!”

Playing fullback in a special challenge with its own unique pressures, and not least at Castleford, with their recent history of the position having seen both Zak Hardaker and Luke Dorn impressing there as a key aspect of the Tiger’ style of play in the past few years, and as an integral part of the Ford’s all-English spine together with Paul McShane, Danny Richardson, and Jake Trueman, Castleford’s newest #1 is keen to show what he can bring to the position.

“Obviously my pace is a key aspect of my game, I’ve always been a natural runner of the ball and I’ve always enjoyed that side of the game, but at fullback there’s always a lot of technical stuff, so it’s taken me a lot of time to get to grips with that and work at that.

There’s a lot of things in defence

and attack where you have to be quite vocal, so it’s taken me a while to understand the game in that regard: When to pick sides, when to come into the line and all that. But no overall, I’m very confident in my ability and I’m just looking forward to playing.”

“Off the pitch, I’m very quiet, but on the pitch, I like to consider myself vocal – at fullback you have to be!

It’s not something that’s probably come naturally to me, but coaching staff throughout the years have drilled it into me since I was www.castlefordtigers.com February 2021

7

ROAR THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF CASTLEFORD TIGERS

young. You’ve got to be a talker at fullback, you can’t be quiet, you have to organise the defence.”

Like so many players, Evalds can’t wait for fans to return to stadium, and it’s unfortunate that such a dazzling player won’t be able to make his debut in front of the crowds at Wheldon Road but he reassures us that once that whistle blows, it’s all business and as a player, your natural instinct takes over: “It’s a lot different [Not having fans in the stadium], just the atmosphere that fans create, especially at The Jungle, so I’d been looking forward, in my mind, to making my debut in front of fans, so I’m a little disappointed that that’s not looking likely. It’s strange, but once you’re on the pitch, you concentrate on your job and you’re in the flow of the game, but we’ll all be excited to have fans back and to play at our own ground in front of them all, I’m really looking forward to that, and having my family down and things like that.

The sooner it’s safe to do so, we’re all excited for that.

Niall is set to revisit his old side in Round five when the Tigers travel to the AJ Bell, before hosting Salford on their return to The Mend-A-Hose Jungle in Round fifteen. However it’s a different date that the former Red Devil has on his mind after it was announced early last month

that Castleford and Salford will face one another at September’s Dacia Magic Weekend. It’s set to be a big occasion with potentially fans in attendance at St James Park and it’s one that’s sparked a bit of conversation with a few exteammates: “Of course, I keep in touch with a few of the boys [at Salford], I was there a while and I’m still close with a few of them: Ryan Lannon, I speak to him quite a lot…I’ve not spoken to him about Magic Weekend yet but I’m sure we’ll have a few texts back and forth before that game, a bit of banter etc. But all joking aside, I think it’ll be a great occasion, I’m sure the fans are excited!

Finally, it’s not just the start of the season that the flying fullback will have to prepare for in the coming weeks as he is due to become a father for the first time before the Fords line up to face Warrington on 28th March. It will be a different kind of pressure he admits, but nonetheless something both he and his partner are looking forward to: “We’re expecting a little boy around the middle of March, so we’re just getting things in place now, decorating his room and getting all the stuff in. I’m a little bit nervous but me and my missus are really excited. It seems like a long time waiting but there’s a lot of things to prepare and everyone’s already

telling us to get used to no sleep, but we are really excited for it! A few of the lads with kids have already said things like “Enjoy the quiet while you can” etc. but he’s due just before the season starts, so hopefully we’ll have a couple of weeks at home before the games start!”

The club would like to congratulate Niall and his partner as they get ready for their new arrival whilst Niall preps for the small matter of the 2021 Betfred Super League Season! So with the stage set, the sight of him running out at Emerald Headingley in the Black and Amber on the 28th March will be something to look forward to for Cas and rugby league fans alike. www.castlefordtigers.com February 2021

9

*

ROLEX

*TERMS & CONDITIONS APPLY. SELECTED WATCHES ONLY. ASK IN STORE FOR DETAILS. IMAGE FOR ILLUSTRATION PURPOSES ONLY.

ROAR THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF CASTLEFORD TIGERS

HELP SUPPORT RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES

A Castleford Tigers-supporting family is asking for your help to support in fundraising.

Leanne Pease is holding a prize raffle for Ronald McDonald House Charities, a charity very close to her family’s heart as you can read below. For every £5 donated you will be entered into a prize raffle and the prizes are: Hospitality for four people to a chosen Castleford Tigers match (when COVID-19 guidelines allow) X1 signed 2021 Castleford Tigers shirt A number of signed Castleford Tigers bobble hats X1 signed Leeds Rhinos Challenge Cup 2020 shirt You can support the Pease’s fundraising efforts via their Justgiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/leanne-pease Leanne Pease contacted the Tigers to share her daughter’s story in the hopes of spreading her fundraising raffle for Ronald McDonald House Charities Leanne’s daughter Lilah Rae was born in August 2018 and joined an avid family of Tigers supporters. Her great-grandparents helped to run the supporters’ club during the 1980s and furthermore her grandfather Chris was one of the club’s earliest ambassadors, regularly organizing busses to away fixtures. Lilah Rae continued the family’s loyal support by attending her first ever Castleford match aged just 10 days old!

Shortly after attending nursery in October 2019 Lilah Rae had an allergic reaction and was admitted to Sheffield Children’s Hospital for an allergy test to determine what it was that she was allergic to. The allergy consultant asked several questions as it appeared that Lilah Rae’s head was abnormally

shaped before being confirmed she was allergic to spirit vinegar, which appears in most sauces but could be controlled with antihistamines.

Lilah Rae visited a paediatric bone specialist in January 2020, undergoing several tests such as a MRI, blood test, development observations and a small procedure to monitor pressure inside the head. The conclusion was that Lilah Rae had Sagittal Craniosynostosis, this is when certain bones in the skull fuse together prematurely and if not actioned this can cause seizures and problems later in life.

A referral was made to specialist craniofacial surgeons in Oxford and Lilah Rae attended Oxford John Ratcliffe Hospital in August 2020 in the middle of the pandemic to discuss what action could be taken. The difficult option of surgery was chosen by the family so Lilah Rae would join the waiting list for surgery.

The family was informed that surgery would happen on 31st December 2020 and that Lilah Rae would be required to stay in hospital for three days prior and up to seven days after, dependent on recovery. The family was concerned about where they would stay and how COVID-19 would impact this but after a call from Ronald McDonald House in Oxford their worries were eased, and they were accommodated a room to stay in for the length of Lilah Rae’s hospital stay and would be on hand for support if needed. All they asked for was a £30 deposit which was refunded upon leaving the key card to the room.

Ronald McDonald House could not do enough for the family, with COVID-19 safe policies in place, every need or question was met.

On Thursday, 31st December, Lilah Rae went for surgery at 8.30am with her parents being told that the operation would take as long as was needed. Returning to Ronald McDonald House, staff were on hand to offer support and at 4.30pm they were called to say Lilah Rae was doing well and that the surgery was a success.

Lilah continued to improve over the coming days and Ronald McDonald House continued their fantastic help before she was discharged on Monday, 4th January 2021.

As a family, they are grateful for all the support shown by the Ronald McDonald House Charities and would like to help raise donations and their profile through this prize raffle.

GET HH CONSTRUCTION ON YOUR REPLICA KITS! Supporters who would like to add the HH Construction logo onto their 2021 replica kits can do so for FREE! After confirming that the high-flying local construction company are now kit partners with the Tigers for three years back in January, supporters can now add the HH Construction logo to the 2021 Castleford kits they own.

HH Construction now occupy the Tigers’ collar sponsor position, previously held by GMB Union whose partnership with the club has come to an end, and for supporters who would like their shirts to mirror that of the players’ when they take to the field, they can now add our new commercial partners onto their kits.

Thanks to HH Construction, any fan wanting to add their logo on their 2021 shirt can do so, for FREE! Supporters are asked to get in contact with local, family firm, Jepson Printers on Smawthorne Lane in Castleford who will be able to add HH Construction’s logo on their shirts. Furthermore, for just £10, Jepson Printers can add onto the back of fans’ shirts a name and number at their request.

Due to COVID-19 guidelines, supporters are asked to either email or telephone Jepson Printers to arrange their shirt printing.

Phone: 01977 553270 | Email: sales@enjepson. co.uk | Web: www.enjepson.co.uk/

EVERYONE AT THE TIGERS WOULD LIKE TO WISH OLIVIA TODD A VERY HAPPY 18TH BIRTHDAY! Olivia has been a season ticket holder at Cas since she was three years old during the 2006/7 season, and is still a season ticket holder where she stands in the Princess Street end cheering on her favourite player Jesse Sene-Lefao and loves following Cas home and away including last year at Headingley for the Tigers’ showdown with Toronto Wolfpack.

A message from Olivia’s family: “Happy 18th birthday Olivia, love from Mum, Dad, Harry and Chewy, we look forward to being able to celebrate properly with you properly very soon.”

www.castlefordtigers.com February 2021

13

ROAR THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF CASTLEFORD TIGERS

Daryl is proudly sponsored by Lagentium Insurance Brokers for the coming season

COACH’S NOTES with Daryl

Powell

OUR PRE-SEASON HAS BEEN GOING REALLY WELL, THERE HAS BEEN SOME DIFFICULTIES WITH THE WEATHER FOR A PART OF IT, BUT WE HAVE GOT BACK ON GRASS WHICH IS GREAT AND APART FROM THE DISAPPOINTMENT OF SOSAIA FEKI GETTING INJURED OUR BOYS ARE GOOD. Everyone is training exceptionally hard and we have a real buzz about us, the lads are enjoying being together in this tough period for everybody in the world, never mind just rugby league, and they have been awesome.

before the lockdown and we looked sensational and there are a few different reasons why that didn’t continue. Ultimately, we have a squad here that is highly motivated and looking forward to the challenge.

We’re getting to the point where I’ll be sort of knowing who is going to be in the starting 17 for Round One, and it’s been really competitive so it will be a tough team to pick. In some there is some exceptional real strength there, in our middle unit we’ve got a number of boys who are very good players, that will be tough for me. We are also looking to later in the season in August for example, there a lot of games there so depth will be key. Our young players are progressing well and coming through too, so it’s good all round after the hard work the boys have put in this pre-season.

We know we have Hull KR before Warrington up first with a firm date in the calendar, one thing we haven’t had for seems like forever is certainty and hopefully we have a bit of certainty because we know what’s coming, we can prepare accordingly.

There has been a real motivation after looking at what happened to us last year, and I’ve been watching some of the games that we played

14

KR have recruited well and whilst it’s not a competitive fixture as a friendly, I think it’s a crucial game for a lot of players, everyone needs to get a decent hit out under their belt and that is a key game.

But the first match with points on the line is Warrington and we know how difficult they can be with a lot of good highquality players; we know we will need to be at our best to win.

Regarding the positive news that we could have fans back in the ground in May,

February 2021 www.castlefordtigers.com

WE’RE GETTING TO THE POINT WHERE I’LL BE SORT OF KNOWING WHO IS GOING TO BE IN THE STARTING 17 FOR ROUND ONE, AND IT’S BEEN REALLY COMPETITIVE SO IT WILL BE A TOUGH TEAM TO PICK.

I think it’s one of those things that has been taken for granted for so long – that you have fans who come and watch you, but we know The Jungle is a special place to play.

The last year has shown us how important fans are to the game. Speaking for the players; they find it difficult playing in empty stadiums because it is so different to what they’re used to, then even from a coach’s perspective, you get a mixture of abuse and people shouting your name! I’d like to say I would enjoy both sides of it to be honest because I have missed fans in the crowd that much, the people who watch the game they are the lifeblood of it. The players will massively enjoy having Cas supporters back in attendance, I think we all will, and I know the fans will enjoy being back doing something they love, watching sport and getting behind their team.

Take care and be safe, thank you for your ongoing support and I hope to see you all soon.

DARYL

ROAR THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF CASTLEFORD TIGERS

www.castlefordtigers.com February 2021

15

EXCLUSIVE

30 U SE CO D E

*

% OFF *

C T30

T&CS apply. Applies to first online order only. Excludes sale & gift cards.

SHIRTS • JEANS • T-SHIRTS • JO

BIG BRANDS BIG SIZES

GGERS • FOOTWEAR • HOODIES

BADRHINO.COM MENSWEAR M-8XL

ROAR THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF CASTLEFORD TIGERS

Michael is proudly sponsored by Spear Scaffolding Services for the coming season

Michael Shenton

As we head towards the new season our prep has gone well and it feels like a long time since we first started on our Christmas Camp in December. Those three days, all of us getting together, was a good chance for us all to touch base and have a mini camp and I thought it was great with everyone having a good dig in a mixture of challenges. I think that set us up well for January’s start with everyone on the same page and what was expected from us and we’ve just kicked on from there.

We have gone through loads of different elements to our game and to being an athlete as well, from working in the gym or out running. The weather has thrown some adversity at us but at the same time that can build character by adjusting to what is going on, you come in and maybe you don’t know what is happening or is expected of you. You might be in the wrestle room doing a session, on the rowers doing cardio, cross-fit sessions, and all sorts of other things but overall, I think it has been really enjoyable.

Our new lads have fitted in terrifically and all the boys have been great company to be around and everyone that is here is striving to improve.

Within the team you see leaders emerge all the time, it’s something we speak about – growing our leadership group because it is not about having just one or two leaders, you need a group of people who stand up both on and off the field. They need to be a voice everywhere, but also listen to what else is going on around them and to encourage people to grow and we spoke about creating an environment that is helping everyone grow, and that everyone can be accountable, no matter who you are you are accountable to

18

February 2021 www.castlefordtigers.com

everyone else. We have great coaches who were fantastic leaders when they played and are great leaders now as coaches, it is great to learn off those guys, I think we can always keep learning on and off the field and improve in all kinds of areas in our lives.

When we’ve had our best years, the sole focus has not been just about what is going on out there on the field. Everyone here at the club has their own lives away from rugby, their own families, all different things going on and with COVID it is more important than ever that we do look after one another. Everyone has a voice, everyone is getting listened to and looked after, it’s an important part of our leadership qualities and I see some of our boys stepping up and being good leaders.

It’s a massive boost knowing that fans all being well are coming back during the season, whilst we will start behind closed doors, I think we have learned lessons from last year. I think not having our fans in attendance affected us more than most, you make such an impact for us and we had to learn how to deal without that, creating our own atmosphere and playing well.

ROAR THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF CASTLEFORD TIGERS

The core of this team has been together a long time, and you look at the spine of our team we have our young halves who are outstanding and have had a year together, such great quality with two fullbacks

“”

It’s always exciting going into the new season because we haven’t played rugby for that long and we want to play well, we are excited about what we can do on the field. Once we are a few games in there’s a good chance of having spectators back in and I’m sure that will make a big difference down at The Jungle. Fingers crossed it all goes to plan and can happen soon, but we are focused on that first game against Warrington because the start of the season is so important.

The core of this team has been together a long time, and you look at the spine of our team we have our young halves who are outstanding and have had a year together, such great quality with two fullbacks.

Furthermore, look at our pack and the outside backs too, there is absolute quality there to fill in and rotate when needed, add into that young players who are eager to learn and develop. The youngsters have been doing just as much ball work, defensive work as the senior lads is doing, they get challenged and we see them improving each week, that is only going to benefit us as a team.

I’d like to finish with a word for Sosaia Feki: I was absolutely devastated for him when he got injured, he looked absolutely brilliant in training and I can understand the frustrations of our supporters because everyone has been so excited to see him play, but no one is more frustrated than Saia himself. As a player and a person, he is such a nice guy, he worked so hard and got himself in great shape and it’s just one of those freak things. A champion fella and we all wish him the best in his recovery.

Thank you for your support as ever, stay safe and enjoy the games.

SHENNY www.castlefordtigers.com February 2021

19

Have you made a will?

• Do you know who will inherit your estate if the worst were to happen?

• Do you know how much goes to the Government?

• Do you know that without a will, those that you expect to receive the most can receive nothing?

For friendly, local and affordable advice contact wills@prhs.co.uk

Call our team on 01977 551320 or visit www.prhs.co.uk

Aysgarth Falls Hotel AA 4★ Gold Inn

A warm welcome awaits, especially for Cas Fans!

Situated in the heart of Wensleydale, we have nice, comfy rooms, great food and drinks, lovely friendly staff – and from the Jungle to Aysgarth is only an hour and a quarter!

Cas Tigers season ticket holders and Cas Tigers Supporters Club members can get 10% discount off accommodation, only when booked directly.

www.aysgarthfallshotel.com 01969 663775 Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

ROAR THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF CASTLEFORD TIGERS

CATALAN DRAGONS Head Coach: Steve McNamara Players to watch: Sam Tomkins, James Maloney, Mike McMeeken Last season finish: 4th The Dragons faced more challenges than any other side in 2020 with travel to and from France for each game, a fine example of the commitment shown by rugby league clubs during the year. However, Catalans will be striving for more consistency in the upcoming season.

On their day, they can be incredibly tough to beat but often find inconsistency hinders their final league position. In recent years they have brought in big signings such as Micky McIlorum, Sam Tomkins, Israel Folau and James Maloney in a bid to build on their Challenge Cup success of 2018. All those players listed can turn a match on its head, perhaps none more so than Tomkins.

Catalans have added great quality to their ranks too with Gil Dudson from Salford, Dean Whare from Penrith Panthers and of course Mike McMeeken from Castleford Tigers.

The key to success for Catalans is consistency, a tough nut to crack but if they can, they could be a real force in the competition.

HUDDERSFIELD GIANTS Head Coach: Ian Watson Players to watch: Jake Wardle, Aidan Sezer, Jack Ashworth Last season finish: 7th With their 7th place finish seeing them miss the Play-offs for a third season under Simon Woolford, the winds of change ushered in a new regime for the Claret and Golds. Big things are now expected under Coach Ian Watson who has already demonstrated his credentials after taking Salford to back-to-back finals the past two years.

Last season’s signing of Aidan Sezer was proven to be an astute one, the mercurial halfback demonstrating a lethal boot and a keen eye to create the most miraculous of try-scoring assists. He will have a big role to play if the Giants are to compete for trophies in 2021. For the coming campaign, the Giants have recruited far and wide with veteran NRL Centre Ricky Leutele slotting into the backline, alongside the signing of promising exSaint Jack Ashworth and former Red Devil Prop Luke Yates.

22

After besting the Tigers in their encounter last season, the Giants will be keen to repeat the feat but this time against a Fords side containing two former Fartowners in Jordan Turner and Suaia Matagi who have made the move across West Yorkshire since the two sides last met.

League as a player but as a coach in the competition, it is a brand a new challenge.

Hodgson has been plying his craft in the NRL as the Assistant Coach with West Tigers since 2018, he likes expansive rugby and a key signing for the Airlie Birds should help them achieve that.

Having spent the past few years at the John Smith Stadium, these two will know that the current crop of Giants aren’t far away from making a big impact in 2021.

Josh Reynolds, Hull’s sole high-profile signing joins from West Tigers too with the aim of getting more game time and rediscovering the form which saw him lead Canterbury Bulldogs to two Grand Finals early in his career.

HULL KR Head Coach: Tony Smith Players to watch: Ben Crooks, Shaun Kenny-Dowell, Korbin Sims Last season finish: 11th The Robins endured a tough 2020, winning just three of their 17 games played last season. They weren’t without heart however and were competitive in what turned out to be some of 2020’s most exciting fixtures including a narrow loss in a 21-20 Golden Point thriller against eventual champions St Helens, and a 34-18 victory over Grand Finalists Wigan!

The Fords themselves managed to get the better of KR twice, with a 8-28 victory at Hull College Craven Park in February followed by a 38-24 thriller in October.

Veteran Coach Tony Smith knows success won’t come easy, but will undoubtedly look to build up to compete in the coming months. Their recruitment of Super League Veteran Ryan Hall from the NRL will give them arguably two of Super League’s most formidable wingers as he takes the field with Ben Crooks, whilst new acquisition Korbin Sims will continue Mose Masoe’s line-breaking legacy in the Robin’s #10 shirt with his rampaging runs.

Seeking a bounce-back campaign this season, Hull KR will be out to upset a few teams and will be eyeing up an outside path into the playoffs come October.

HULL FC Head Coach: Brett Hodgson Players to watch: Jake Connor, Josh Reynolds, Marc Sneyd Last season finish: 6th Following Lee Radford’s midseason departure, many expected Andy Last, who steered the Black & Whites through most of 2020, to be announced as the permanent Head Coach of Hull FC but that was not the case.

Instead in comes Brett Hodgson, a man who is of course no stranger to Super

February 2021 www.castlefordtigers.com

Hull FC are eager to do well year in, year out, but with the squad they have assembled over the recent years it is almost expectant of their fans now.

Reynolds half-back partner Marc Sneyd possesses arguably the best boot in the competition, Jake Connor could prove to be elusive at fullback and with the likes of Manu Ma’u in their pack this expectation continues in 2021.

LEEDS RHINOS Head Coach: Richard Agar Players to watch: Ash Handley, Luke Gale, Zane Tetevano, Last season finish: 5th Another season, and more silverware for the Rhinos as they were able to secure the Challenge Cup, defeating Salford 17-16 at Wembley Stadium in October. however they were squeezed out for the top honours in Super League in a very competitive race, finishing the season in 5th place before being beaten by Catalans in the elimination play-off. Their sole match against Castleford in 2020 ended with the Rhinos taking the points as they ran out 28-24 winners.

Richard Agar will be seeking to make his first Grand Final appearance with Leeds since taking over in 2019.

The Ford’s former fan favourite Luke Gale lived up to the hype in 2020, as he helped direct a whirlwind attack and he will take over the captaincy following the retirement of club Stalwart Stevie Ward. The Rhinos can also boast the competition’s leading try scorer from a year ago in the ever dangerous Ash Handley and he will look to build off the platform built on a very talented pack bolstered by new signing Zane Tetevano.

The Rhinos will be hoping their Challenge Cup success heralds the arrival of another golden era, and this starts with a Grand Final victory in 2021.

ROAR THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF CASTLEFORD TIGERS

LEIGH CENTURIONS Head Coach: John Duffy Players to watch: Blake Wallace, Ben Flower, Tyrone McCarthy Last season finish: N/A Following Toronto Wolfpack’s exit from the Super League competition in November, Leigh beat the likes of York, London, Toulouse, Featherstone, and Bradford to take the place of the 12th and final team for 2021 back in December. It was a huge success for the Lancashire club who will be entering Super League for a third time, the last time coming in 2017.

John Duffy is adamant the Centurions are Super League ready and it is hard to disagree because they have the funds, the ground and fanbase to fit in well in the topflight. Duffy has added a lot of players to his squad for 2021, including a few high-profile signings, which could help them get settled quickly into the competition and give them a great fighting chance of avoiding relegation.

Jamie Ellis, Ryan Brierley, , Matty Russell, Blake Wallace and Ben Flower are just a few of the experienced heads that will link up with Leigh’s squad in 2021 and their veteran savvy will be a big boost as they fight to stay up.

Leigh’s style is often intense to watch and can create fiery encounters, with many tipping them to finish bottom you can expect them to do their best to prove doubters wrong.

SALFORD RED DEVILS Head Coach: Richard Marshall Players to watch: Krisnan Inu, Dec Patton, Andy Ackers Last season finish: 9th After the heights of 2019 during which Ian Watson led them on a fairy-tale journey to the Grand Final, there was a bit of mixed fortunes in 2020 as the injury-plagued Reds Devils finished 9th in the table whilst managing to reach the Challenge Cup Final where they were narrowly beaten out

by Leeds. A new dawn beckons now, with Richard Marshall being the man tasked with spurring Salford onto success.

Looking at the squad for 2021, Marshall must be quietly confident as their recruitment campaign saw them secure proven top tier talent in the form of Joe Burgess, Darcy Lussick and Dec Patton to supplement an already strong squad. One departure that will be missed at the AJ Bell however, is fullback Niall Evalds who be wearing the black and amber next time Cas come to town.

Tipped by many to be potential dark horses in 2021, time will tell whether this Salford side can battle back to their heights of recent years and compete for trophies in the coming season.

ST HELENS Head Coach: Kristian Woolf Players to watch: Lachlan Coote, Jonny Lomax, Joel Thompson, Last season finish: Grand Final Winners

Where to start with last season champions…

Since Kristian Woolf’s side have won backto-back Grand Finals, being the first side to do so in nearly 10 years. Last year’s final was a very close-run thing, Jack Welsby’s last minute try against Wigan sealing a nail biter for Saints.

A Grand Final victory was the perfect way to send off club legend James Graham into retirement, however the champions haven’t rested on their laurels in the offseason, with the arrivals of NRL star Joel Thompson alongside the promising Sione Mata’utia, brother of Cas’ own Peter making headlines in the winter. With two Mata’utia’s set to face one another in Super League, there’s potential for more than a bit of sibling rivalry when the two sides face each other this season.

Three on the bounce will be the aim now and boasting a range of talented internationals, home-grown talent, and veteran savvy across the park, there are few sides better placed to try and lift the Super League trophy later this year.

WAKEFIELD TRINITY Head Coach: Chris Chester Players to watch: Tom Johnstone, Mason Lino, Eddie Battye Last season finish: 10th

for Queensland in Origin and a World Cup winner with Australia where he was as a mainstay for the better part of a decade, he is arguably one of the very best rugby league players to have graced the sport. However, there are questions about the 34-year-old and how capable he will be on the field for Warrington, but there is no taking away his experience as one of the very best and that will add to the team in an enormous way.

Following the news that Steve Price will be leaving the club at the end of 2021 he will want to exit the club on a high, he has guided them to Challenge Cup success in 2019. Whilst Wolves fans desire any silverware success, it will be the Grand Final they would love to win and finally put an end to the “always your year” jibes.

Warrington boast a high-quality squad, but they did in 2020 too and despite finishing 3rd the Wolves were left ending the season on a bitter note and losing in the first round of the play-offs. Marquee Gareth Widdop is a premiere talent but at times did not show his best in 2020, following a year working with Blake Austin they could prove to be a very dangerous duo.

WIGAN WARRIORS

Our local neighbours at Belle Vue will be aiming to improve in 2021 after suffering a lot of injuries during last season but to their credit in such a difficult year, no other team in Super League played more regular round matches than Wakefield.

Trinity’s big player signing for ahead of the new campaign is Mason Lino, the 26-yearold joined from NRL side Newcastle Knights on a three-year deal in pursuit of more playing minutes. Chris Chester has said that Lino is a tough competitor who will guide them around the park.

Furthermore, Trinity have added more size to their pack with the talented Eddie Battye on a permanent deal after a loan spell last season Wakefield’s big coaching signing however is the addition of Andy Last from Hull FC, after not being given the top job at the Black & Whites, Last moved on and will work with Chester and fellow Assistant Coach Willie Poching at Trinity. It is a completely new challenge for Last who spent 23 years as a player and coach in Hull.

After two years struggling with injuries and scrapping at the bottom of the competition, Wakefield will want 2021 to be a much more positive season with more victories on the league table.

WARRINGTON WOLVES Head Coach: Steve Price Players to watch: Greg Inglis, Daryl Clark, Gareth Widdop Last season finish: 3rd

Head Coach: Adrian Lam Players to watch: Jai Field, John Bateman, Bevan French Last season finish: Grand Final Runners-up It was a bitter pill to swallow for Wigan in the Grand Final, thanks to a dramatic finish against their old rivals St Helens... but that was last year, if anything it should give them added motivation to get back to the last match of the season and finish the job.

Alongside Saints, the Warriors were the benchmark side in the comp last year and justly secured the League Leaders’ Shield at the end of the regular season to prove they were the most consistent team.

However, in 2021 they will be without a club icon in Sean O’Loughlin, who featured for the Cherry & Whites over 400 times.

So how do Wigan replace such an important player in O’Loughlin? They brought back John Bateman. There is no doubt Bateman left Super League in 2018 as one of the best players in the competition, and in the two years he has been with Canberra he has only got better. The Warriors other recruit is Jai Field from Parramatta Eels, the stand-off has blistering pace and desires more game time, combined with Jackson Hastings and Bevan French, it makes for an exciting Warriors spine.

Wigan always set out every season with the goal of securing silverware, as one of the benchmark teams last season but falling short in the Grand Final, there is even more added motivation to bring home trophies again.

There is only one place to start: Greg Inglis.

GI is playing in Super League.

A Grand Final winner with both Melbourne & South Sydney, with over 30 appearances

www.castlefordtigers.com February 2021

23

ROAR THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF CASTLEFORD TIGERS

Match Preview

HULL KR v CASTLEFORD TIGERS PLAYERS TO WATCH:

RYAN HALL The winger returns from a stint over in the NRL with the Sydney Roosters and will be after a big year in 2021 to return into the England fold ahead of the World Cup at the end of the year.

His try scoring record is superb with over 300 Super League appearances he has scored 234 times.

SHAUN KENNY-DOWALL Ever-present for Hull KR in his debut season, he was a consistent worker for Hull KR and often created chances for his teammates with deft offloading and a great ability to evade a tackle. As a well experienced New Zealand international, he will be striving for better success with the team in 2021.

ELLIOT MINCHELLA Elliot Minchella has proven to be a terrific acquisition for the Robins after joining them from Bradford Bulls ahead of 2020. In his debut season with them he has gone from a prospect player to a strong contender to start at loose-forward, which is even more impressive

24

Castleford’s sole pre-season friendly in 2021 will be Adam Milner’s testimonial game against Hull Kingston Rovers on Sunday, 14th March at 3pm at Hull College Craven Park.

This match which will be streamed live on Castleford Tigers’ Facebook event page for just £4.99, with all the money raised from supporters who purchase access to the live stream going directly to Adam Milner’s testimonial fund.

Serving the club for well over a decade, Adam Milner has been an outstanding servant to the Tigers and has featured in over 250 matches in Cas colours, with only club captain Michael Shenton making more top-flight appearances than him.

A proud product of Castleford’s Academy, the 28-year-old is one of the club’s wellregarded #ONECLUB men having only played his domestic rugby with the Tigers.

Speaking ahead of the game Adam said: ““I’m fortunate and lucky to be in the

February 2021 www.castlefordtigers.com

position that I am today, to get a game is a special moment for myself and I’m sure that the team and I are looking forward to games and the season starting!”

This pre-season match could offer Castleford fans their first looks at the newest Tigers added to Daryl Powell’s side with Niall Evalds, Suaia Matagi, Lewis Bienek and Jordan Turner potentially in match action!

Meanwhile, for Hull Kingston Rovers fans they too could see their newest faces run out, players such as Albert Vete, Brad Takairangi, Korbin Sims and Ryan Hall. Tony Smith’s side has a licence to play open rugby, at with it being played at their own ground it will be a perfect tough task to gear up ahead of the new season.

ROAR THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF CASTLEFORD TIGERS

MATCH PREVIEW

CASTLEFORD TIGERS v WARRINGTON WOLVES PLAYERS TO WATCH:

GREG INGLIS The former NRL Superstar is perhaps *the* marquee signing for Super League this year. “G.I” is returning to rugby since retiring from the NRL in 2019, however if he has maintained even a fraction of the pace and power that saw him win the Grand Final with South Sydney, he will be someone the Tigers have to keep more than a watchful eye on.

The Tigers will kick off their 2021 campaign with a showdown at Emereld Headingley as they host Warrington Wolves in Round 1 of the Betfred Super League on Sunday 28th March.

With squads bolstered by off-season recruitment and after an extended preseason, both sides will be champing at the bit to start their seasons with a win and gain early momentum for this year’s competition.

from Gareth O’Brien and Derrell Olpherts, however one of the Wolves brightests young talents, Matty Ashton, streaked through on 78 minutes to break Cas hearts and allow Warrington to run out 12-10 victors.

Last season saw the Fords match up twice against Wire in two thrillers that both went down to the final seconds!

In March of 2020, the result was in the balance until the dying moments at the Halliwell Jones Stadium with all four half backs missing one-pointer attempts before Blake Austin struck true to allow the hosts to secure a 9-8 victory.

Wire will want to lay down a marker this season for Head Coach Steve Price, following the recent news that will leave the club at the end of the 2021 season to return to Australia. Under his tutelage, the Wolves have been perennial contenders for silverware, reaching the Super League Grand Final in 2018 and hoisting the Challenge Cup at Wembley in 2019.

In September after the season was restarted, the sides met at the Totally Wicked Stadium on the back of contrasting runs of form: Another lowscoring affair saw the Tigers leading 10-6 in the final minutes courtesy of tries

His oppositive number Daryl Powell will be equally keen for success this season and knows it starts by putting in a big performance against a top side with the eyes of Super League watching.

MATTY ASHTON The former Swinton Lion enjoyed a breakthrough season in 2020 for Warrington, with electric pace and an eye for a tidy finish, Ashton remains an equally dangerous tryscoring threat from fullback or the wing as Cas know all too well.

DARYL CLARK A familiar name to Cas fans, Clark remains an integral part of Warrington’s platform for success with his sharp passing and “scoots” from dummy half. Going into his 7th season with the club, an exciting showdown of two Man of Steelwinning hookers awaits!

www.castlefordtigers.com February 2021

25

ROAR THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF CASTLEFORD TIGERS

youth feature

YOUTH DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW LAST MONTH ROAR LOOKED AT THE PLAYERS PRODUCED BY THE TIGERS ACADEMY AND THE PLAYER PATHWAY, THIS MONTH WE LOOK AT THE PROCESSES BEHIND THIS PRODUCTION, AND WHAT DEPARTMENTS CAN BE FOUND WITHIN OUR YOUTH TEAM QUALITY COACHING Providing quality coaching for our young players is of paramount importance to us in order to help every player in our environments reach their true potential. With a clear club playing style and coaching philosophy based on skill development and expansive play running down from first team level, our scholarship and Under 19’s coaching teams are headed up by vastly experienced and qualified coaches.

The scholarship group coaching group is headed up by Chris Spurr, whilst Danny Evans heads up the Under 19’s assisted by Tony Smith who will lead on the reserves programme in 2022.

STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING Athletic development has become of prime importance in modern day rugby league and is an area in which we provide extensive support in order for all of our players to reach their athletic potential with high quality, experienced staff leading on this provision. We ensure each player is provided with a bespoke individual programme based on their current stage of development and maturation and informed by club testing procedures.

Tom Roberts leads on the Under 19’s conditioning assisted by Alix Boyes and Cameron Blacker whilst Craig Bower leads on the scholarship programme assisted by Danny Doherty from the Leeds Trinity University.

ANALYSIS Another area in which we have made great strides in recent years is with our analysis: All Scholarship and Under 19’s fixtures are recorded and utilised for both team and individual reviews. Following fixtures every player will have individual footage of all of their involvements from each game. This provision not only helps players to analyse their own game and areas of improvement but are utilised by coaches for one-to-one feedback

26

February 2021 www.castlefordtigers.com

sessions and personal development plans. Liam Tunningley will lead academy analysis in 2021 having previously worked in a similar capacity at Huddersfield Giants.

PHYSIOTHERAPY SUPPORT This is provided at all training sessions and fixtures with suitably qualified and experienced physiotherapists always available to meet the needs of players as and when required. Not only do our staff work around the treatment of injuries but extensive work is undertaken in relation to the prevention of injuries in conjunction with strength and conditioning staff and informed by club screening and testing procedures.

In the case of scholarship players communication is sent out on a weekly basis to schools and community clubs with guidance on player fitness following injury. Alex Coleman leads on academy physiotherapy with Reece Carr leading on the scholarship programme.

MENTAL SKILLS PROVISION An increasingly important aspect of sport, mental skills provision is provided on both our scholarship and Under 19’s programme with players accessing support not only in the shape of group education sessions but also on an individual basis, in order to support their needs and learn how to prepare for performance and develop independence and the mental skills and characteristics required for elite level rugby league. Cameron Baines leads on under 19’s mental skills, working alongside Tansy Tomlinson and Dean Watson.

Provision for the scholarship programme is led by Keith Sloan with partners Leeds Beckett University also supporting with additional provision.

DIET AND NUTRITION SUPPORT Leeds Beckett University provide this support for both our scholarship and under 19’s programmes with players again

ROAR THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF CASTLEFORD TIGERS

youth feature accessing group education sessions and assistance on an individual basis.

As part of this process players are often tasked with completing food diaries on a regular basis with scholarship players also tasked with home cooking tasks in order to encourage and develop independence and creativity in nutritional preparation. For the 2021 season James Stanbury and Chloe Pinder are supporting under 19’s players whilst Beth Vickers and Jack Gerrard have led on scholarship group education and Ashton Shand supporting under 16’s players on an individual basis.

PLAYER WELFARE In recent years many of our players and their wider families have received off field support around personal circumstances in their lives where they have needed some guided support or simply someone to talk to.

Year 11 can at times be a stressful period for players with GCSE exams and the pursuit of a professional contract.

With these things in mind, we take great pride in being able to offer our players and their families wider support through the shape of a club welfare manager, our club chaplain and a welfare officer.

PLAYER EDUCATION In addition to training provision the club spends a lot of time supporting players around the process of understanding what they need to do away from training. In a typical yearly cycle, both scholarship and academy players will undertake education around a wide range of areas including injury management, nutrition, recovery, mental skills, social media, club culture and values, time management and anti doping. Main themes from these workshops are also reinforced through parent / guardian workshops that are run by Tony Fretwell from the Football Association.

PARTNERS In order to provide the best possible support and expertise to our young players the club have developed a number of partnerships in order to further enhance the player development process. These include Leeds Beckett University around both nutrition and metal skills provision, Leeds Trinity University around Strength and Conditioning whilst Martyn Rothwell from Sheffield Hallam University is involved in support the development of pathway coaches and Tony Fretwell lends his expertise in the process of supporting and educating scholarship parents.

ROLE

NAME

Head of Youth Performance

Darren Higgins

Academy Coaches

Danny Evans, Tony Smith, Tom Schofield

Academy Strength & Conditioning

Tom Roberts, Cameron Blacker, Alix Boyes

Academy Mental Skills Coaches

Cameron Baines, Tansy Tomlinson, Dean Watson

Academy Diet & Nutrition

James Stanbury, Chloe Pinder

Academy Analysis

Liam Tunningley

Academy Team Manager

Mal West

Scholarship Coaches

Chris Spurr, Richard Humphries, Steve Copley, Richard Garbett

Scholarship Strength & Conditioning

Craig Bower, Danny Doherty

Scholarship Physio

Reece Carr

Scholarship Mental Skills

Keith Sloan

Scholarship Diet & Nutrition

Ashton Shand

Scholarship Team Manager

Brian Stanley

Youth and Junior Welfare

Keith Lambeth, Ash Gibson, Ian Gayles

Strength & Conditioning Partners

Leeds Trinity University

Diet & Nutrition Education Partners

Leeds Beckett University

Mental Skills Education Providers

Leeds Beckett University

Junior Talent Identification & Recruitment

Steve Armitage

www.castlefordtigers.com February 2021

27

ROAR THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF CASTLEFORD TIGERS

YOU DON’T WANT TO SEE THE NUMBER 9 CALLED ON OUR NOMINATED PAGES! IF HE STAYS HIDDEN FOR ALL 4 PAGES EVERYONE WHO BOUGHT THE STAMP SHARES THE COMMUNITY JACKPOT!

CALL THE FULL HOUSE ON NUMBER 9 ON ANY OF THE 4 NOMINATED PAGES AND YOU WIN A BONUS OF £50

COME AND JOIN THE FUN, ALBION STREET CASTLEFORD IN PROUD ASSOCIATION WITH CASTLEFORD TIGERS

OPEN 13 SESSIONS A WEEK MONDAY TO SATURDAY 11AM – 11PM SUNDAY 5PM – 11PM

www.majesticbingo.com Please gamble responsibly 28

February 2021 www.castlefordtigers.com

Albion St, Castleford WF10 1EG T. 01977 552 285

ROAR THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF CASTLEFORD TIGERS

Your new car delivered to your door Available now

Reserve online for just £99 Cars for every budget

Personalised finance options

Choose from 1000s of cars

Drive away today

Checked by experts

Award winning service

Competitive part exchange

Test drives available

motorpoint.co.uk

www.castlefordtigers.com February 2021

29

ROAR THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF CASTLEFORD TIGERS

Q&A WITH LINDSAY ANFIELD! The Castleford Tigers Women’s Head Coach is the latest guest to feature on the club’s Tiger Talk Podcast, where she was able to discuss her own beginnings as a player, the development of the women’s game at Cas, and her return to the England coaching setup ahead of a the Rugby League World Cup in 2021!

Q: Lindsay, hello! Let’s start with a quick update on 2021: The aim is to get Women’s rugby league playing again, because it’s been nearly a year without it…

Lindsay: “Yes, it’s been too long! We got an email not too long ago, saying they’re really trying to push through and get us onto the “B” Covid protocols, the same as Championship and League One, by 18th April. So far so food in terms of when we’re going to be starting, and I know there’s false hope all the time but we’ve just got to stay positive I guess!”

Q: So close to getting back underway again then we hope! And talking of starts, Lindsay as we talk about your career beginnings: What are your earliest rugby league memories?

Q: So quite the career since then! How did you end up playing for England, then being the coach? Talk us through your rugby league journey and what got you so hooked on rugby league?

Lindsay: “I’m from Cumbria, and the part of Cumbria I’m from was mainly rugby union, but I didn’t actually play till I got to college and I was a keen netball player at the time and I think my coach thought I might be better suited to rugby, and that was back when I was 17.”

Lindsay: “I think it was just the social aspect, I got on really well with the girls I met when I played at Barrow Ladies, and I just really enjoyed the environment, it was a lot more chilled and jovial than the netball scene. And just through playing in the leagues, there were some Great Britain players around us and I really looked up to them, and from there I got scouted, got seen in a few games and invited onto train-on squads for England U21s, and then I went to play for Great Britain in the World Cup in 2003.

Q: And in terms of the coaching, you made the transition to coaching quite young aged 30? With England students is that right? How did this come about?

Lindsay: “Yeah I was a little frustrated with how the England setup was after the 2017 World Cup, and I thought ‘Put your money where your mouth is Lindsay, if you want to change things, if you want to try and revolutionise the Women’s game, don’t just moan about it, go and actually do it!’ and so then when the opportunity came up to coach England students, I thought ‘Right, let’s go on a bit of a journey with this’.”

“Things are a little different now, the girls game is absolutely booming, we’ve got some fantastic local clubs with Cutsyke and Fryston, and Oulton, they are all churning girls out at the age of 16 and picking them up as young as 7/8 years old, so the pathways are there, especially

30

February 2021 www.castlefordtigers.com

ROAR THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF CASTLEFORD TIGERS

in our area. With the Women’s Super League coming together in 2017, that has then put a lot more ‘credibility’ behind the women’s game, and with that spotlight on them, the girls have had to step up and as a club we’ve tried to do that and turn them into real athletes and make it a spectator sport.”

Q: How did the call come about for you to join Castleford which happened in 2017?

Lindsay: “After England Students, I was just going to see what happened after the Student team was disbanded and a lot of these girls were from colleges and universities around the country and didn’t have a community team. Eventually one of our players, Georgie Hetherington when to the bosses at Cas and asked if they could set up a team, and when she was told she needed a coach, she began pestering me, and I said ‘I’m not doing anything until you have at least 20 players!’, and within a week she had 26 players, and talked me into it!”

Q: And your coaching story has gone from there onto the heights of winning the League leaders Shield in 2019 and

the heartbreak of the Grand Final. And the girls would have wanted to bounce back from that, and unfortunately it wasn’t to be so far with Covid disruption, but it’s fair to say you kept that attitude throughout 2020 and all the uncertainty?

Lindsay: “Yeah, it was so difficult to keep them motivated, and whenever I mention we’re in preseason, the girls tell me ‘This is our 12th preseason in the last 8 months!’ but they’ve done that many star jumps in their living rooms, and burpees on carpets in preparation… it’ll stand them in good stead!”

Q: You’ve also recently returned to the England setup after being away on maternity leave, that’s obviously a great achievement for you to go back to the international coaching scene: How excited are you for the World Cup year?

Lindsay: “It’s a really exciting year, I suppose it’s still a little bit scary to think: ‘is it still gonna go ahead? Is the Women’s Super League going to get started?’ and all that. There’s been a lot of challenges

this year with getting everyone to England training and getting them tested, keeping them socially distanced as much as possible, and compared to Australia and New Zealand, they don’t have those restrictions that we’ve got, and I think it has had an impact on the preparation we’ve had to do.”

“But it’s a very exciting year, and I think the girls that go out on the field will just do as much as possible and will have to see how they get on, but I’m confident that they won’t show themselves up and I’m confident that they’ll put on a good showing!”

Q: And you’ll be looking forward to seeing how your own Tigresses get on in the squad?

Lindsay: “Yeah, I think we’ve got nine at the moment, all fighting for a place in the final 23, but as I keep reminding them it’s not just about being in that 23, it’s not just about getting into the starting 13, it’s about performing.

You’ve got to be pushing to be able to better than that top Aussie, or top Kiwi!”

www.castlefordtigers.com February 2021

31

YOUR ONE STOP SHOP for BUILDING, TIMBER, PLUMBING, HEATING, KITCHENS, BATHROOMS & LANDSCAPING

WILLOWBRIDGE COURT

WF10 5NN | 01977 557292 | mkmbs.co.uk OPEN MON-FRI 7:00-17:00 SAT 8:00-NOON

ROAR THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF CASTLEFORD TIGERS

Mick Morgan Hi Cas fans!

Preseason training in full swing, vaccines being rolled out, and a start date set of March 28th: Warrington the opponents at Headingley to cap off a triple header. A saying always used many times: ‘a light at the end of the tunnel’, has never been more significant than at the present time, with the chance to watch our team live at the Jungle keeping you motivated.

I would like to again welcome all the new signings to Wheldon Road: Lewis Bienek, Niall Evalds, Suaia Matagi, and Jordan Turner. I’m sure they will all be aiming to make a big impression! I look at the recruitment of all the teams in Super League and expect very competitive games each week regardless of the opposition. We’ll have to be on our mettle from the off and I’ve said before: Fitness will be the biggest priority in my eyes.

I look forward to seeing Niall Evalds in a Castleford jersey. I’m sure Cas’ style of play will suit him down to the ground. He won’t mind me saying, his pace is a real asset to his game, not only in attack but in defence as Jordan Rankin found out to his cost a couple of years ago!

I have always been a fan of Jordan Turner, and his ability to play a number of positions will be a big plus for the gaffer. Centre will always be in his locker as well as second row and I can see him doing a good job at loose forward too.

As a player, I never had a squad number so I can imagine if you are an experienced player and you are given a number over 18, you will need no motivation to prove the gaffer wrong! I would put Jesse Sene-Lefao and Greg Eden in that bracket and I expect both players will be on the top of their game when the chance beckons.

Looking ahead, the Australian tour looms on the horizon and I’m sure all the players will have half an eye on being selected for the tour: Liam Watts and Paul McShane being obvious choices. The current Man of Steel is a shoe-in for me, and Wattsy is for me by far the best ball-playing prop in Super League. While that is a personal opinion, selection for Shaun Wane’s squad hasn’t been too often for these two. I expect both players will have a big season and make it impossible for Shaun not to pick them for the tour.

Among the younger generation, Jacques O’Neill is a player I expect to see blossom in the coming months. The tough as teak Cumbrian has for me, served his apprenticeship and is ready to make his mark in Super League. Another tough as teak player is Adam Milner who this year is having a well-earned testimonial. I know Cas fans will support him with all his events and give him a bumper testimonial.

I always look at the fixture list during preseason to sort out what games I look forward to most and I have to say the Leeds games always stand out. Even when I was playing at Featherstone and Wakefield, we always wanted to knock Leeds off their perch and it was no different at Cas…Bring it on!

Finally, I was asked to give me one piece of advice I’d give to the current crop of Tigers, so I’ll give them the advice my Dad gave me to me as a young kid: ‘Young ‘un, whatever you do in life, always give 100%...unless you’re giving blood!’

Morgy!

Cheers

www.castlefordtigers.com February 2021

33

ROAR THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF CASTLEFORD TIGERS

34

February 2021 www.castlefordtigers.com

ROAR

Born To Be A Cas Fan

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF CASTLEFORD TIGERS

The Memoirs of Geoff Smith – Castleford Rugby League Players Association

Life without rugby league takes some getting used to since watching Castleford play at Wheldon Road has been such a part of my life, attending games before I even started school.

In the early years after World War II, my first heroes were fullback Ronnie Lewis and Scrum Half George Langfield. In those days, Cas had a fairy good side, reaching two Yorkshire Cup Finals being the highlights where they were sadly beaten by Bradford in Northern in 1948 and Huddersfield in 1951.

The Cas side of those times had difficulty attracting top draw payers to Wheldon Road but a few of the game’s legends did make the move and play in the Black and Amber: Ike OWENS was signed from Leeds for a world record transfer fee of £2,750. A star of the victorious British Lions Tour Down under and Skipper of Leeds at Wembley in 1947, Ike was for me going to be my big hero but after 7 games for Cas and 2 for Wembley, Ike took his great skills to

Fartown to wear the famous Claret and Gold of Huddersfield, leaving me a very dejected youngster!

Another top draw payer was Ernest Ward a world class centre. A British Lion in 1946 and 1950, one of Bradford Northerns Anytime Greats leading the club to three successive Wembley Finals vs. Leeds in 1947, vs Wigan in 1948, and Halifax in 1950. Ernest arrived at Castleford when he was appointed coach for the 1953/54 season, but after not being released as a player by Norther till November, Ernest made his debut when the team lost to a superb Workington Town side ed by the Legendary Gus Risman.

For me, the most exciting player of the 1950s was Frank Birkin (pictured above during the 1955 season). Frank was a giant of a man who arrived at Wheldon Road after spells with Bramley Halifax and Salford. Sadly his reputation upset and he had many an early bath, but his talent and skills were immense. An elusive runner and strong tackling loose forward, he was a player I have never forgotten!

CASTLEFORD RUGBY LEAGUE THROWBACK Date: Monday August 22, 1955 Game: Huddersfield (A) – Lost 30-6 Tries: Derek Smart – G: John Sheridan BACK ROW: L-R – Les Haughey, Albert Lunn, John Hill, Frank Birkin, Ron Welsby, Colin Anderson, Alan Horsfall FRONT ROW: L-R – Derek Smart, Kenny Pye, Roy Haigh, Ernest Ward, Josh Pye, John Sheridan

www.castlefordtigers.com February 2021

35

ROAR THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF CASTLEFORD TIGERS

36

February 2021 www.castlefordtigers.com

ROAR THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF CASTLEFORD TIGERS

Betfred Super League fixtures announced

The season will begin initially behind closed doors, with the first two rounds taking place all at the same venue, then from Round 3 on matches will return to single-game events and this will see the Tigers make their return to The Mend-A-Hose Jungle for match action.

Following on from the Government’s strategy announcement to ease lockdown restrictions, rugby league clubs are expected to finally welcome back supporters into stadiums from May 17th.

This could mean that Castleford’s first match with fans back in attendance could be the Round 8 clash against Leeds Rhinos at Wheldon Road, however, this remains subject to change due to the ongoing pandemic. Season Ticket holders will be given first priority in attending matches at The Mend-A-Hose Jungle.

For early round matches played behind closed doors, 2021 Season Ticket holders will be able to watch these games

through the Our League platform. Please note this a provisional fixture list and once Sky Sports confirm their selections for broadcast, the club will be able to confirm their playing dates for fixtures in due course.

Castleford Tigers season ticket pdate Tigers fans can continue to spread the cost of their 2021 Season Tickets over a six-month period as from Monday, 1st March until Friday, 19th March, Castleford supporters can purchase their 2021 Season Tickets and pay over six months via direct debit, with the first payment being taken on Thursday, 1st April.

How to sign up for 2021 season tickets Both new and renewing supporters can secure their 2021 Season Ticket and spread the cost over six months via direct debit by contacting the Castleford Tigers Season Ticket Office. 2021 Season Tickets for new holders will be available at 2020 prices.

Standing Season Tickets are available to purchase outright online too on the Castleford Tigers website.

New Season Ticket cards will be issued to all new season ticket holders, but 2020 ticket holders are asked to retain their cards as these will be reused for the 2021 campaign.

www.castlefordtigers.com February 2021

37

ROAR THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF CASTLEFORD TIGERS

The Dacia Duster from just £10,995* Rugged, robust and better-looking Ok, car-cliché, what have we got this time?

Freedom and a 4x4, obviously – taking you off into the horizon with not a care in the world, just a latte in the cup-holder, air-conditioning through your hair. And yes, the Duster is a fully functioning, hard-working 4x4.

And a beautifully made, well-equipped SUV. So do feel free to throw the buggy in the boot with the surfboard, if you wish. (Insert clichéd car-model family here).

Keyless entry^

Multiview camera^

Climate control^

But, with the Duster, you get a different, much more real kind of freedom. Because, from just £10,995*, buying the Duster leaves you considerably freer to find something else to spend your hard-earned money on.

Like a sunset you can’t actually get to by car, perhaps.

Liberating, isn’t it?

Book a test drive today.

Find your local dealer at dacia.co.uk

Apple CarPlayTM^

Model shown, the Dacia Duster Comfort Blue dCi 115 4x4, £18,500 including metallic paint. The official combined fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km) are: 62.5 (4.5). The official CO2 emissions are 144g/km. WLTP figures shown are for comparability purposes; only compare figures with vehicles tested to the same technical procedures. Actual real world driving results may vary depending on factors such as weather conditions, driving styles, vehicle load or any accessories fitted after registration. WLTP is a new test used for fuel consumption and CO2 figures, however until April 2020 the CO2 figures are based on the outgoing (NEDC) test cycle which will be used to calculate vehicle tax on first registration. Please visit dacia.co.uk/configure for WLTP figures for any selected options. ^4x4 versions available from Comfort. Air conditioning standard from Essential.

Keyless entry, Multiview camera and climate control available on Prestige. Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto® available from Comfort.

38 February 2021 www.castlefordtigers.com

*

ROAR THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF CASTLEFORD TIGERS

Academy rugby league set for march return ACADEMY LEVEL PLAYERS WILL MAKE THEIR LONG-AWAITED AND EAGERLY ANTICIPATED RETURN TO RUGBY LEAGUE NEXT MONTH, FOLLOWING THE GOVERNMENT’S ANNOUNCEMENT OF A GRADUAL EASING OF LOCKDOWN RESTRICTIONS. players who have missed so much in the last 12 months.”

Scholarship players at under 16 and 17 levels are also clear to return to training from 8 March.

Head of Youth Performance, Darren Higgins commented on the news saying: “After a long enforced break in what has been a very difficult and challenging time it is great to get the green light to return to training. The dedication our young players have shown to keep working hard whilst away from the club since last March has been exceptional.

“This is not only a great reflection on their character and dedication to the game but the way in which our scholarship and academy coaches, wider support staff and partners have gone above and beyond to continue to support their holistic development and wellbeing. Everyone is raring to go and looking forward to getting back onto the playing field.”

Those clubs in Super League and Championship with Academies have been given the go-ahead to begin preseason training from Monday 8 March – almost 12 months since they last played competitive Rugby League.

Continuing public health concerns mean that there will be no formal Academy competition in 2021. The playing format is set to be discussed in more detail with clubs in mid-March.

RFL Chief On-Field Officer, Dave Rotheram, says: “This is another big step in the right direction for Rugby League’s Talent Pathway. It’s been a long

time coming and everybody connected with the Academy game – players, clubs, coaches – is keen to get down to business and make up for lost time.

“It won’t be plain sailing and we have to tread carefully, especially in respect of player welfare. Covid continues to present considerable logistical challenges and young players will need time to adjust to a return to collision sport.

“We feel that a competitive league structure and full fixture list isn’t appropriate this year, so will instead work towards a formula that affords as many playing opportunities as possible for www.castlefordtigers.com February 2021

39

ROAR THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF CASTLEFORD TIGERS

TIGERS TALENT PATHWAY RETURNS!

The Tigers Talent Pathway ran during the October 2020 half-term, with sessions being led by Castleford Tigers’ Youth Performance staff and focusing on both fundamental game-related and technical skills, but with an ongoing national lockdown, this February’s session were run online via Zoom.

Both session during the half-term break were well attended with Leeds Trinity University’s Danny Doherty taking the lead on sessions which helped participants keep fit and active!

Head of Youth Performance Darren Higgins explains how the TTP can open career pathways to join to the Tigers, but also to emphasise the benefits that it offers both local players and their clubs.

It’s great to see the Tigers Talent Pathway relaunching again after a long enforced break, the programme underpins the club’s overall player pathway and has seen players who have attended the programme go onto play Super League rugby via our scholarship and academy programmes along with England youth representation.

The programme is open to all players from the local and surrounding areas and hopefully in-turn will benefit the wider community game as a result of the coach development initiatives that local coaches working on the programme are able to access. Not only will the programme provide high quality player development provision for all players who attend but, it will also complement our talent identification work that will resume once the community game relaunches.

40

February 2021 www.castlefordtigers.com

FOUNDATION STARS OF THE WEEK It was great to see children still in school working hard in their PE sessions which being delivered by Foundation staff. As a result of all their dedication, we are able to present some students from Aberford Primary School with our “Foundation Star of the Week” award! – Congratulations to Issac, Abigail, Violet, and Ruby who all demonstrated strong physical literacy during their participation in a catching and throwing challenge shortly before the half-term break.

Additionally, the week before, we were able to award Madeline and Natey with our award for showing outstanding improvement and amazing spatial awareness during our games of Mat Ball!

ROAR THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF CASTLEFORD TIGERS

CASTLEFORD TIGERS COLLEGE NOW ENROLLING FOR 2021

Castleford Tigers College are happy to announce they are now enrolling students for courses in the 2021/22 academic year. As well as offering a variety of education options in partnership with experienced education providers, the college provides regular high profile input and support from the Tigers’ performance staff and the opportunity to observe and interact with the First Team.

Throughout your chosen course you will: Learn: With the appropriate GCSE Grades, you can choose from our comprehensive range of level 1, 2 and 3 courses as well as supporting UCAS applications to higher education. In addition, the Tigers College now offer access to Foundation Degrees in association with University Centre Leeds.

Train: Participate in regular sessions to develop your physical fitness and technical ability whilst being supported by key staff from the Castleford Tigers Performance Department.

Don’t worry if you are not a rugby league player, the training programme will support your physical and mental fitness and is transferable to a variety of other sports.

All programmes provide the perfect mix of qualifications combined with a performance training schedule. Consistent with the club ethos, the College prides itself on developing young people, by creating an environment that gives them the greatest opportunity to learn and achieve their potential.

Community Director Simon Fox: “The new ‘Castleford Tigers College’ offers an array of high quality, interesting and achievable qualifications for people of all ages and abilities.

In 2021 we have significantly expanded to offer a real variety of courses and look forward to welcoming new students throughout the year.”

Tigers First Team Player and College Student Adam Rusling: “I just thought the College Course would tie in really well with my training. That and the opportunity to be in and around the First Team has massively helped me out with my game and beyond that: It’s made me feel more comfortable.

“I’d recommend it to anyone who’s involved in sport or wants to learn and work around sports, it’s a fantastic opportunity”

Play: You will get the opportunity to play for Castleford Tigers College with specialist training and support from the performance coaching staff.

Our College provides a perfect platform for Scholarship players to continue their education and unsigned players to showcase their talents with the aim of progressing onto the club’s U19’s academy set up or Women’s Super League Squad. www.castlefordtigers.com February 2021

41

THE AFFINITY SCHEME FOR TIGERS FANS In association Government Backed Scheme with Riverside Motor Group

Every household in England are eligible for a £5,000 voucher from the government. This is to improve the insulation to your property.

Riverside Those on low income are eligible for a £10,000 voucher.

WA K E F I E LD M O T O R

G R O U P

SERVICES INCLUDED ON THE NEW SCHEME

BUY A NEW VOLVO AND RECEIVE

UP TO £7,126 OFF FREE METALLIC PAINT (WORTH UP TO £700) UP TO £1,500 EXTRA DEPOSIT CONTRIBUTION

FIND OUT HOW MUCH YOU COULD SAVE TODAY FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT Call 01924 925300 and quote #RiversideCOYF Riverside Volvo Wakefield I www.riversidemotors.co.uk/volvo www.insulation-direct.co.uk GMB Advert for Cas Tigers 2019_Layout 1 07/01/2019 13:14 Page 1

wor k f o ld r o w e h t in GMB - exper ts

Join a winning team, join For protection and security at work, GMB will be your voice in the workplace. join online - www.gmb.org.uk/join or call 0345 337 7777

640,000 individuals united in one voice @gmbcampaigns

GMB Yorkshire & North Derbyshire Region

GMB: Grove Hall - 60 College Grove Rd - WF1 3RN

TIGERS TEAM UP WITH THE SKILLS NETWORK!

The club and its Foundation are happy to announce a new agreement which will help upskill the Castleford community and provide free virtual learning for all adults in the area.

Castleford Tigers and Castleford Tigers Foundation are pleased to announce the launch of a fantastic partnership with local education provider The Skills Network, a training partner that provides access to interactive and engaging learning content for adults.

As part of the partnership, Tigers’ fans, players, and staff have free access to nearly 50, nationally recognised Level 1 and 2 courses across of range of sectors and industries, with everything from an award in ‘Mental Health Awareness’ to a certificate in ‘Caring for the Elderly’ available to study!

The Selby-based company, who have partnerships with the likes of NHS and Wakefield Metropolitan District Council, are offering the courses to Tigers fans to assist learning, skills access and training opportunities. Any adult over 19 across the the Five Towns Community can view and sign up for the courses.

All courses are fully funded meaning there will be no cost to enrol or take up the course. With distance learning, it’s possible to study online, at your own speed, and in the comfort of your own room.

ABOUT THE PARTNERSHIP One individual who is already excited to take on this new offer is veteran Tiger James Clare: “I just think it’s outstanding, for me personally and everybody in the Cas community, to add a little skill to your repertoire. To get opportunities like that, especially for free and during such a difficult time in the midst of a global pandemic, it’s just great to see.”

“I know myself personally and a couple of the other players will definitely be jumping onboard the courses just to help us develop our own careers, after rugby. Hopefully we can see some of the wider community on these very courses and we can all get a little bit better together!”

After working with The Skills Network last year, Tigers’ Managing Director Mark Grattan was happy to see more education opportunities opened up: “As a club we are delighted that our Foundation can now offer these free courses to Castleford Tigers’ fans, players, staff and sponsors, and also to their family and friends. On the back of the Foundation’s relationship with The Skills Network, we managed to offer a small number of courses to the club’s staff last year as a precursor: The people who took the courses gave some really positive feedback on how professional the systems and learning processes are and completed the courses without any issues.”

“The multitude of courses now offered are varied and will be great for people who want to learn a new skill, upskill themselves in a current job or take the first steps towards a new career.”

Castleford Tigers Community Director, Simon Fox added: “As a club that cares hugely about its community, we’re delighted to partner with The Skills Network to offer wide array of courses, free of charge to any adult in the District. Now more than ever people are looking to increase their skills, qualification and even change career paths. These courses will expand the Tigers College to over 50 courses, which is unrivalled in rugby league circles and a real source of pride.”

Skills Network were delighted to lend a helping hand in a vitally important area for the community: “This is a really exciting partnership for both The Skills Network and Castleford Tigers and their Foundation, we are proud to be working with such a reputable club and be able to support the community by offering a range of fully funded courses to help career development, learn new skills and provide knowledge through online learning.”

ROAR THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF CASTLEFORD TIGERS

44

February 2021 www.castlefordtigers.com

ROAR THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF CASTLEFORD TIGERS

CTSC EVENT: MEET THE PLAYERS NIGHT! CASTLEFORD TIGERS SUPPORTERS CLUB HOSTED THEIR THIRD IN THE SERIES OF “MEET THE…” EVENINGS IN LATE FEBRUARY AND THIS TIME IT WAS THE TURN OF CAS’ NEW ARRIVALS TO INTRODUCE THEMSELVES!

Gareth O’Brien, Niall Evalds, Jordan Turner, Suaia Matagi, and Lewis Bienek were all in attendance to chat and explain how they had been settling in at Wheldon Road and their expectations for the coming season.

Amidst the questions, there were also a brief modelling session from Niall Evalds, after former Salford-, and now Cas teammate Gareth O’Brien made everyone aware of his new dashing lockdown haircut!

CTSC Secretary Paul BurnsWilliamson had this to say after another insightful behind the scenes look for Supporters Club Members.

“What a great CTSC Meet the new players Zoom event that night!

May pass on my thanks to Tom Maguire, Gareth, Niall, Jordan, Suaia, and Lewis for a thoroughly entertaining evening! On behalf of the Castleford Tigers Supporters Club, I wish you all and everyone at the club every success for the 2021 season. We cannot wait to attend games again so we can give our vocal support!”

Meet the Coaches Night!

The Supporters Club will be hosting another event: “Meet the Coaches” on March 17th, with Daryl Powell, Ryan Sheridan, Ste Mills, Jamie Bell, and Matty Crowther. Club members who wish to attend should please email paul.burnswilliamson@ blueyonder.co.uk by 10am Wednesday 17.3.21. and a Zoom invite will be sent out to you. www.castlefordtigers.com February 2021

45

BETFRED

SUPER LEAGUE

ROAR

MICHAEL

SHENTON

SPONSORED BY:

SOSAIA

JAKE

DANNY

LIAM

WATTS

PETER

MATA’’UTIA MATA

SPONSORED BY:

RICHARDSON

DERRELL

OLPHERTS

SPONSORED BY:

TRUEMAN

SPONSORED BY:

FEKI

NIALL

EVALDS

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF CASTLEFORD TIGERS

SPONSORED BY:

SPONSORED BY:

SPONSORED BY:

SPONSORED BY:

CHEYSE

BLAIR

OLIVER

HOLMES

GRANT

MILLINGTON

IN MEMORY OF MARGARET BRITTON

PAUL

McSHANE

LISA & ANDREW YORK

SPONSORED BY:

SPONSORED BY:

SPONSORED BY:

SPONSORED BY:

GEORGE

GARETH

SPONSORED BY:

JACQUES

TYLA

HEPI

ALEX

O’NEILL

GRIFFIN

NATHAN

SPONSORED BY:

MASSEY

ADAM

SPONSORED BY:

MILNER

SPONSORED BY:

FOSTER

PLAYER SPONSORS 50

O’BRIEN

DAVE CUSSONS WINDOWS AND DOORS LTD

SPONSORED BY:

SPONSORED BY:

SPONSORED BY:

February 2021 www.castlefordtigers.com

ROAR

GREG

EDEN

DANIEL

SMITH

JESSE

SENE-LEFAO

JAMES

CLARE

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF CASTLEFORD TIGERS

SPONSORED BY:

SPONSORED BY:

SPONSORED BY:

SPONSORED BY:

LEWIS

PEACHEY

LEWIS

BIENEK

JORDAN

SPONSORED BY:

SPONSORED BY:

SPONSORED BY:

SPONSORED BY:

CAIN

ROBB

SPONSORED BY:

SPONSORED BY:

SPONSORED BY:

SPONSORED BY:

DARYL

POWELL

BRAD

GRAHAM

SAM

HALL

AYSGARTH FALLS HOTEL, CARAVAN & CAMPING

BRAD

MARTIN

AYSGARTH FALLS HOTEL, CARAVAN & CAMPING

RYAN

SHERIDAN

SPONSORED BY:

SPONSORED BY:

PLAYER SPONSORS

TURNER

SUAIA

MATAGI

MARY CLIFFORD

www.castlefordtigers.com February 2021

51

THANK YOU

TO OUR 2021 CLUB PARTNERS