IN CONVERSATION: Joe Stimson

Tigers forward Joe Stimson is gearing up for his first full season in the UK, after signing in June last year.

The former NRL man had First Grade experience with Melbourne Storm, Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and Gold Coast Titans before joining Cas, where he has so far made 11 league appearances.

We caught up with him to see how he's been getting on ahead of the 2026 campaign.

Q: How's your first pre-season in the UK been?

A: Pre-season's been tough, they always are. Certainly wasn’t used to the cold, that’s for sure, I've never been so cold in my life!!

But pre-season's been great, it’s been tough, but will put us in good shape for a big start to the year. 

Q: Are you pleased to have been able to work with the boys before the start of the campaign this time?

A: Yeah, definitely. I came in at the back-end of the season, and I felt like I was a bit under done. It probably showed in some games.

So having a full pre-season with the team and working on combinations has been really beneficial.

Q: How positive does the group feel about the upcoming season?

A: The group is confident in the work we have done so far. We are trying to find a new identity and I believe we are doing that - I’m sure it will come out in games. But we are all very excited for the season to start and show the Cas fans what we can do. 

Q: How are you enjoying the dynamic of the squad right now - and specifically with our new recruits from Down Under?

A: The squad is one of the tightest groups I’ve been a part of. We have a lot of new faces and they’ve fit right in, which is really exciting. Having so many Aussies in the team gives it that home feel but everyones gets on really well.

Q: It's now just one month until our season opener against Wigan - how much are you looking forward to being able to get down to business in Super League?

A: I can’t wait for the season to start, nothing better running out in to the OneBore Stadium packed with Cas fans... so Round One can’t come quick enough!!