10 reasons to be excited for 2021

Macca: Man of Steel 

Tigers' hooker Paul McShane finished off 2020 as the Steve Prescott Man of Steel winner for 2020, a highly deserved award and recognition for just how influential he is in Castleford’s matches. If there’s one thing we know about Macca, it’s that he hates losing and strives to win everything. That determined mindset will be integral to Castleford’s efforts in 2021 as Paul is “desperate” to win silverware with the club.

Bolstered pack

Daryl Powell has made two big additions to the Castleford 2021 forward pack with Suaia Matagi & Lewis Bienek – both add go-forward ability and can dismantle defensive lines. Let’s start with Sui, who boasts over 100 NRL appearances and has been capped internationally for both Samoa and New Zealand. The 32-year-old is difficult to handle and adds a wealth of experience to the squad. 22-year-old Lewis Bienek is now looking to get more regular Super League game time under his belt after joining from Hull FC where he made his top-flight debut back in 2018. A strong forward who has great leg speed. he will bring both energy and enthusiasm to the Fords pack.

Turner adds experience and options

Adding quality experience in the Tigers backline is centre Jordan Turner, who joins Castleford from Huddersfield Giants for 2021. With almost 300 top-flight appearances to his name, Turner is also highly versatile as he can also play at loose forward and in the halves, as he did memorably in the 2014 Grand Final where he played at stand-off. He’s hungry for success and would love to lift the Super League trophy again.

Keep your eye on Evalds

One of Super League’s brightest talents is now a Tiger: Fullback Niall Evalds joins Castleford for the 2021 season on an initial one-year deal from Salford Red Devils. The 27-year-old has only ever played his club rugby with the Greater Manchester side, scoring 105 tries in 152 appearances. It’s an exciting, fresh challenge with Daryl Powell’s side for Niall, and he has lofty ambitions both for both club and country in 2021.

GOB till 2023

Joining during the 2020 season, Gareth O’Brien proved himself to be a fantastic addition to the Tigers squad by settling quickly and making his mark with three tries, seven goals and a drop goal whilst on loan from Toronto Wolfpack. Following the news that the Canadian club would not be granted a Super League place in 2021, Castleford secured Gaz’ services on a three-year contract, adding further competition for both the fullback and halfback positions.

Return to The Jungle

It seems so long ago when supporters could attend rugby league matches in the UK, but with positive news about vaccines being rolled out across the country and a delayed start to the Super League season, Castleford Tigers hope to welcome fans back to The Mend-A-Hose Jungle soon and together making our home a fortress once again.

O’Neill on the rise

Last year was a breakthrough campaign for 21-year-old Jacques O’Neill, the Tigers Academy graduate laid his claim for a starting spot in the matchday squad by showcasing what his game is all about: Being tough, fearless, and skilful. Reputations or size don’t stop him, as was demonstrated when he came face to face in a heated exchange with Gareth Ellis in the Challenge Cup last year. Jacques is well suited to both the hooker and loose-forward positions, he will be competing hard to build on his performances and cement a starting spot. 

Powell’s eighth full season in charge

Since taking over as Head Coach during the 2013 season, Daryl Powell has set high standards for what he wants his team and the club as a whole to achieve, and no-one is hungrier for the Tigers to take home a major trophy than the boss. 2020 was a frustrating and disappointing season in comparison to recent years and in his own words Daryl Powell is looking to have his “best ever year from a coaching perspective”. With the squad assembled for 2021, he believes he can do just that. Daryl spoke to Tigers TV during the First Team's Christmas Camp, watch our Head Coach reflect on 2020 and look ahead to the pre-season.

Rugby League World Cup 2021

With the biggest and most inclusive Rugby League World Cup coming at the end of 2021, plenty of our Tigers will be looking to get selected for their respective nations. Paul McShane has for a long time wanted to play for his country, on the back of winning the Man of Steel award he will be looking to push himself into Shaun Wane’s plans, much like several the Tigers’ First Team. Meanwhile, ten players for Castleford Tigers Women were included in the England Women and Women Knights Performance Squads in 2020, meaning we could see Tigresses such as Georgia Roche & Kelsey Gentles feature for England at the World Cup. Plus following the terrific news that the first-ever Physical Disability Rugby League World Cup will be played during RLWC2021, Tigers PDRL players such as captain Nick Kennedy could be part of the first-ever England PDRL team.

Adam Milner’s testimonial year

After serving the club for over a decade, 29-year-old Adam Milner was granted a testimonial year in 2021 and in such a special year for him, Adam will be striving for silverware success in the new season. Keep an eye out for how Adz will be celebrating his testimonial by following him on Twitter, or his joining his page on Facebook.