TIGERS LAND BRAND AND MCNAMARA ON LOAN

Castleford Tigers are delighted to announce the signings of Keanan Brand and Ben McNamara on loan deals from Leigh Leopards until the end of the 2026 Betfred Super League season.

The Tigers have moved to make additions to our squad following injuries to key players, strengthening our side as we aim to finish as highly as possible on the league table come the end of this year. The pair will go straight into contention to make their Castleford debuts in Saturday's Round 24 clash with St Helens at The BrewDog Stadium. 

25-year-old Ben McNamara came through the ranks at Hull FC after beginning his rugby league journey with Skirlaugh in his native Hull. He made his senior debut for the Black and Whites in 2020, scoring a try on his first appearance against Cas. Since joining Leigh in 2024, he has made 27 appearances, scoring four tries and kicking 30 goals, adding further experience to an already impressive young career.

McNamara also spent time developing within the Sydney Roosters' junior system while his father, former England international Steve McNamara, was coaching at the NRL club. A composed and intelligent playmaker, McNamara is comfortable operating at both halfback and hooker and also provides a reliable option with the boot.

Born in Ormskirk, Keanan Brand came through the ranks at Widnes Vikings, making his senior debut in 2018 before earning a move to Warrington Wolves. He initially joined Leigh on loan in 2021 and impressed during his time with the club, before making the move permanent later that year. 

Brand has gone on to become one of Leigh's longest-serving players, making 67 appearances and scoring 34 tries for the Leopards. He enjoyed a particularly impressive 2025 campaign, finishing the season as the club's top try-scorer with 20 tries and being named Leigh's Best Attacker at their end-of-season awards. 

The 27-year-old has also represented Ireland, making his international debut in 2024 as they defeated Scotland 36-6 at Gateshead. A player capable of featuring on either the wing or at centre, Brand will bring plenty of pace and attacking ability to the Tigers backline, as well as valuable experience at Super League level. 

Director of Rugby Chris Chester commented on the moves: "Both Ben and Keanan are players that I know well from my time at Leigh. They both compete really hard and go after the game, and they will give us some much needed depth to our squad."

McNamara and Brand will go straight into contention to make their Castleford Tigers debuts this weekend. 

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