IN CONVERSATION: Blake Taaffe

New boy Blake Taaffe is raring to go for 2026, having joined the club ahead of pre-season.

We sat down with our new number one ahead of our exciting away fixture against St Helens, in the Matty Lees Testimonial.

Q: How have you settled into the squad since joining the club?

A; I’ve settled in well! We have such a good bunch of boys here, which made the move so smooth - plus the club and the coaching staff have been awesome with everything. It was so welcoming when I first got here, which is everything you want coming to a new club.

Q: How much are you looking forward to playing in the Castleford jersey for the first time, after having to wait so long?

A: I can’t wait! I was fortunate enough to watch a few games at the back end of last year at the jungle and that’s something I’m definitely looking forward to.

Q: How are you finding the UK, having moved from Australia?

A: The UK has been good to me and my partner. The weather has been cold but it’s not as bad as everyone says it is! I’m really enjoying my time here already.

Q: Finally, what are your hopes for this season, personally and as a team?

As a team we are striving to be the best. We are chasing perfection in every aspect of our game, whether it’s in attack or defence. We have worked so hard this pre-season under Carry and we can’t wait to get stuck into it as a club.

Personally, I’m here because I have a lot to prove, not to anyone but myself. I believe my best footy is yet to come, and this is what excites me the most for the next three years I’m wearing this Cas jersey.

Tickets to the Matty Lees Testimonial away at St Helens are available to buy here.