Tigers Announce Scholarship Signings for 2026

Castleford Tigers are delighted to announce the acquisition of 22 players from 6 different community clubs around West Yorkshire that will all be part of the clubs Scholarship side for the 2026 Season.

The club held its annual Scholarship launch at their Wheldon Road Grounds Signs & Designs Restaurant, as players along with family and friends were welcomed by Director of Pathway and Coaching Rob Nickolay and Head of Youth Development Matty Falkner as they all joined the next block of future for our hugely successful Youth Development program. 

Speaking on the induction of the new set of personnel, Head of Youth Faulkner said: “We welcome an exceptionally talented and humble group of youth to our scholarship programme.
Their commitment, character, and potential both on and off the pitch are a credit to themselves, their community clubs and the community coaches who have helped develop them, and indeed their families. This cohort not only showcases impressive ability but also embodies the values and attitude we look for at our club.
A huge amount of credit must go to Steve Copley and our Talent ID staff, whose dedication, insight, and tireless work over the past year have been instrumental in identifying and securing such a promising group. Their efforts ensure we continue to build a strong foundation for the future of our club.We look forward to supporting the continued development of these young athletes as they begin their journey with us”

Director of Pathway and Coaching Nickolay added his excitement of the signings; “Bringing through the next generation of Castleford Tigers is at the heart of everything we do. This new group of Scholarship players represents the long-term ambition of the club – to grow a system that consistently develops Super League-ready talent from within our local communities.
We’re not just looking for good players – we’re investing in good people. That starts now, with how we educate, challenge, and support these young athletes both on and off the field.
I want to thank everyone who’s helped these boys get to this point – the community clubs, schools, parents, carers, and volunteers. Your support lays the foundation for everything we do. A big thank you as well to both Matty Faulkner, Steve Copley and our Talent ID staff for their tireless work behind the scenes.
I’m excited about the potential in this group and proud of the work being done across our pathway to turn promise into performance”. 

The New scholarship intake:

1.Blake Beedle – Lock Lane Spartans
2.Brad Chocholski-Lock Lane Spartans
3.Cam Lockett-Lock Lane Spartans
4.Charlie Conway – Normanton Knights
5.David Obhielo – Elland
6.Dylan Afoa Peterson – Drighlington
7.Dylan Price-Lock Lane Spartans
8.Dylan Wilson – Stanley Rangers
9.Fin Ramsey-Lock Lane Spartans
10.Jack McCormack – Airedale Academy
11.Jacob Bedford - Normanton Knights
12.Joe Hinde-Lock Lane Spartans
13.Joe Sampson - Stanley Rangers
14.Kayden Anholm – Lock Lane Centurions
15.Leo Hibbert - Stanley Rangers
16.Lewis Moore-Lock Lane Spartans
17.Lewis Widdowson - Drighlington
18.Luke Ford - Stanley Rangers
19.Tommy Doyle - Drighlington
20.Tommy Watts - Lock Lane Centurions
21.Will Southcott-Lock Lane Spartans
22.Zach Garbett-Lock Lane Spartans