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Revision as of 14:19, 4 June 2012

Castleford Tigers RLFC
Club information
Full nameCastleford Tigers
Rugby League Football Club
Nickname(s)Cas
Tigers
Classy Cas
Founded1926
Current details
Ground(s)
ChairmanEngland Jack Fulton
CoachAustralia Ian Millward
CaptainEngland Danny Orr
CompetitionSuper League
Records
Challenge Cups4

Castleford Tigers are a professional rugby league club based in Castleford in West Yorkshire, England. They participate in the professional European competition Super League. They are sometimes known as 'Cas', 'Cas Tigers', 'Classy Cas' or the 'Black & Amber'. In the early days many of their supporters worked as glassblowers which is another of the club's nicknames.

The Tigers play their home games at 'The PROBIZ Coliseum' named after their main sponsor PROBIZ. The ground was previously named 'The Jungle' after sponsorship at that time, and before that it was named after the road it is situated, 'Wheldon Road', and despite its decrepit style the ground is still believed to offer one of the best and most volatile atmospheres in the game. The club enjoy intense local rivalries with Featherstone Rovers, Wakefield Trinity Wildcats and Leeds Rhinos.

History

There was also a Castleford team which took part in the Yorkshire League from 1896-97 to 1905-06 inclusive.

Castleford Rugby League Football Club was founded in June 1926, after a successful era in the Yorkshire Senior Competition and were admitted to the sport's professional ranks in 1926. Cas played at the Sandy Desert ground from 1920 to 1927 before moving to Wheldon Road. The club was quick to achieve success, winning the Yorkshire League in 1932, followed by their first Challenge Cup title in 1935. The club record attendance was set at 25,449 for the third round Challenge Cup match against Hunslet in 1935.

Castleford, the winners of the 1935 Challenge Cup met French cup holders US Lyon Villeurbanne in a match played at Paris on 12 May 1935 for a trophy that later became the Lord Derby Cup. US Lyon Villeurbanne won it and were awarded the trophy.

Castleford were beaten Championship finalists in 1938-39. Cas dropped out of the wartime Yorkshire league in 1942-3 and did not return to league competition until 1944-5.

Post World War Two

The official attendance for a second round Challenge Cup match in 1967 against Hull KR was 22,582 but a reported 8,000 people got in without paying.

Castleford were again beaten Championship finalists in 1968-69, when they suffered a late defeat to arch-rivals Leeds.

The legendary half-back pairing of Alan Hardisty and Keith Hepworth inspired the club to back-to-back Challenge Cup triumphs in 1969 ( v Salford) and 1970 ( v Wigan). Castleford's 7-2 victory over Wigan in the 1970 Challenge Cup Final is the joint lowest winning score at Wembley, along with Salford's 7-4 victory over Barrow in the 1938 Challenge Cup Final.

From the introduction of two divisions in 1973 until the Super League era Castleford were one of a handful of clubs to have constantly remained in the top division of British rugby league.

In 1983/84 Castleford were beaten 18-10 by Hull Kingston Rovers in the Divisional Premiership final at Headingley.

Castleford made it to the final of the 1988 Yorkshire Cup but were beaten 33-12 by Leeds at Elland Road.

They were the leading club in Yorkshire in the early 1990s, finishing in the top four of the Championship no less than four times during this period.

Castleford added 'Tigers' to their name for the 1992/93 season.

John Joyner took up the reins as head coach in May 1993. The highlight of the early 1990s was in 1994 when Castleford defeated Wigan to claim the Regal Trophy at Headingley in a 33-2 victory. They were semi-finalists in the Challenge Cup and were also narrowly defeated in the Premiership final. At the end of that campaign Joyner was named as the Coach of the Year.

Summer era

Wheldon Road during the summer era

In 1996, the first tier of British rugby league clubs played the inaugural Super League season and changed from a winter to a summer season.[1] When the Super League competition has been proposed, it was suggested Castleford merge with Wakefield Trinity and Featherstone Rovers to form 'Calder'. Trinity's shareholders voted 2:1 in favour of a merger but Featherstone's members voted against and as the sport in Britain entered a new era, an independent Castleford competed in Super League I.

At the start of the 1997 season Castleford were seen as a team making up the numbers and few held hopes for them avoiding relegation. John Joyner resigned in April 1997 to be replaced by Stuart Raper. The club were in crisis with relegation on the cards, Raper turned the season around, the Tigers even won at champions Bradford. They just managed to avoid being relegated, eventually finishing tenth.

With a new season in 1998 many pundits predicted the Tigers would be relegated to National League One. Castleford, in fact stayed near the top of the table for the majority of the season and eventually finished sixth. Cas' Challenge Cup run started with a last-minute try victory over Leeds at Headingley on Valentine’s Day, before beating Bradford in the fifth round. The Cup run was ended by eventual-winners Sheffield in the quarter-finals.

In the 1999 season the Tigers had bettered their previous season and found themselves in third on a couple of occasions, sometimes fourth before finishing in fifth, the last of the play-off places. Wigan were beaten 14-10 on their own turf as the Tigers set up a date at Leeds. Leeds were beaten 23-16 and Cas met St Helens in the semi-final but lost 36-6. Cas had another good Challenge Cup run 1999 campaign knocking out Hull, York and Salford before finally being beaten by London Broncos in the semi-final with a last minute try.

2000 was Raper's last season with the Tigers and their performance somewhat mirrored their previous season as they finished fifth and into the play-offs for a consecutive season.

They made the semi final of the Challenge Cup once again in 2002.

They were relegated from Super League at the end of the 2004 season, but were promoted back the following season, after winning the National League One Grand Final against Whitehaven.

Castleford currently play their traditional black and amber, however their previous colours were orange and black. A limited edition shirt in these traditional colours was released to commemorate participation in the 2005 final of the Northern Rail Cup, which Castleford lost 16-18 to Hull Kingston Rovers, in front of 9,400 people (a record attendance for the cup). The club experienced record sales of the new home shirt for 2007.

Even after a solid return season under the coaching of Terry Matterson, they were once again relegated from the Super League on Saturday 16 September 2006 after losing 29-17 to rivals Wakefield Trinity Wildcats at Belle Vue, Wakefield. The match dubbed "The Battle of Belle Vue" was the last game of the season with the winning side retaining their Superleague status. This caused uproar in the rugby league community. Castleford were relegated with the highest points total for a relegated side in Super League history with 19. Not only that, they did not finish bottom of the league. The bottom placed side were the newly created Catalan Dragons who were given immunity from relegation leaving Castleford to suffer relegation for the second time in their history.

In 2007, Castleford Tigers participated in National League One, the second tier of British rugby league. They were rewarded for a safe passage through to the Carnegie Challenge Cup 4th Round with an away tie at local rivals and 4 times Super League Champions Bradford Bulls, however the Tigers lost the tie narrowly going down 24-16. Castleford were promoted at the first time of asking when they overcame rivals Widnes Vikings 42-10 on 7 October 2007 in the National League Grand Final. This meant that they participated in Super League XIII in 2008.

On 22 July 2008 the club learned that their Super League licence application for the 2009-11 period had been successful.[2][3]

Super League 2008

In a disappointing season the Castleford Tigers finished bottom of the Super League; however with no relegation for the first time in Super League history, the club was not overly concerned about that result. Their main concern in 2008 was fighting for a licence to play in the 2009 season. The 14 clubs who received a licence would, barring catastrophic financial reverses, stay in the Super League for at least 3 years with no risk of relegation. Ultimately, all of the teams from Super League XIII (2008), plus Crusaders and Salford, were accepted.

The Tigers got much publicity in 2008 by giving a trial to the shamed 100 m sprinter Dwain Chambers for a month, but he did not seem worthy of receiving a contract[citation needed] and was therefore released instead. He did help out with the local schools as well as play against York City Knights in a friendly game.

Castleford also added to their team throughout 2008 season with Matt Cook coming on loan until the end of the season from Bradford Bulls; however after a month he was called back into the Bradford team. They also got Brendan Hlad on loan from the Penrith Panthers until the end of the season, however he has not featured in coach Terry Matterson's plans much since his arrival, playing three games all from off the bench, and scoring no points.

At the same time Castleford added another body to the squad by signing former Wakefield Trinity Wildcats player Ned Catic from the French side Lyon XIII but he hasn't been offered another contract and Joined Barrow Raiders in the Championship. In June they signed Mitchell Sargent from NRL side Newcastle Knights on a 2 and half year deal. Unfortunately, Sargent's move had been held up by red tape due to delays in issuing work visas to players. The Tigers were hopeful he would join the club soon, and indeed he did after enlisting the help of local MP to the Pontefract and Castleford constituency, Yvette Cooper. He was a hit with the fans straight away and will be playing with Castleford for to 2009 season also.

In June they released Tom Haberecht from his 1 year deal, due to quota restrictions. This was to enable Sargent to join the club. Haberecht is currently on trial at local rivals Featherstone Rovers. In the same month the Tigers also loaned out young forward prospect Nathan Massey to Rovers and Jack Lee.

This season, with franchises on the horizon, has seen the Tigers retain four of their major squad players from the local area. Franchise licences are issued this season, with one of the criteria being home-grown players, an area the Tigers are making significant strides in. The first player to sign up to a new four-year deal was Joe Westerman, who was touted with a move to Leeds Rhinos, which turned out to be nothing more than mere speculation. Joe has been named in the current England squad for the World Cup. Following Joe into a new 4 year deal as well is Australian Ryan McGoldrick, who has been a figurehead and major PR puller for the club over the last couple of seasons. The Tigers also retained their longest serving player in the face of Craig Huby, who pen to paper on a 3 year deal. After several weeks of negotiations, and intense speculation that he was about to move to Bradford Bulls, Michael Shenton finally but pen to paper on a new 2 year deal, who, like Westerman has also been called up to the England squad for the World Cup. Following Shenton was Liam Higgins who put pen to paper on a 1 Year Deal with the club. Also Matterson has signed some top name players from the NRL in Rangi Chase, Dean Widders and Sione Faumuina. And when the Super League Transfer window opened cas signed England International player Stuart Jones from Huddersfield Giants on a 1 Year Deal. Also the Tigers have signed ex-captain Ryan Hudson on a 4 Year Deal from the Huddersfield Giants. Continuing recruitment for the 2009 season Castleford Tigers have also signed Chris Feather and James Evans - both on one year deals and both from Bradford Bulls. Youngster Joe Arundel got promoted from the academy and is now joining the senior squad on a two-year deal at only 17 years old. James Ford is a winger who has signed a one year deal at Castleford from Sheffield Eagles in the National League One.

Leaving Castleford Tigers will be Peter Lupton, who is now going to be joining Crusaders, Andrew Henderson; Castlefords captain both times they were relegated into the National League set up has been let go and his joining Gateshead Thunder to add to the already big number of ex-Castleford players. Adam Fletcher has been let go as has Ned Catic was released by The tigers and as joined Barrow Raiders, however. Mark Leafa will also be leaving and is now a free agent. Luke Dorn has left to join Harlequins RLFC - the team he scored a hat-trick against earlier in the season of 2008. Stuart Donlan has left to go back to hometown club Leigh Centurions. Scott Moore has finished his loan move and now will join Huddersfield Giants on a season loan from St. Helens. Awen Guttenbiel has retired and now will go back to Australia to hopefully continue on his coaching ambitions.

2010-2012 seasons

After finishing seventh in 2009, Castleford need to prove their place in Superleague is well deserved. Delays with the new stadium and low attendances are dogging their efforts[4]

On 18 April 2010 in the Carnegie Challenge Cup Fourth Round the Tigers were beaten at home by Barrow 28-34.[5] This was a serious blow to Castleford's reputation as Barrow were a Co-operative Championship team.

After reaching the semi finals of the Challenge Cup in 2011, they again were knocked out by a Championship side in the 2012 Challenge Cup, losing to local rivals Featherstone Rovers 23-16.

2012 Squad

*Announced on 29 December 2011

Squad No Nat Player Position Previous Team
1 England Richard Owen Fullback, Winger Castleford Tigers
2 Australia Nick Youngquest Winger Crusaders RL
3 England Joe Arundel Centre Castleford Tigers
4 England Kirk Dixon Centre, Winger Hull
5 Scotland Josh Griffin Winger Wakefield Trinity Wildcats
6 EnglandNew Zealand Rangi Chase Stand Off St George-Illawarra Dragons
7 England Danny Orr (C) Half Back Harlequins RL
8 Wales Jacob Emmitt Prop St. Helens
9 England Daryl Clark Hooker Castleford Tigers
10 England Craig Huby Prop Castleford Tigers
11 England Brett Ferres Second Row, Centre Wakefield Trinity Wildcats
12 England Jonathan Walker Second Row Castleford Tigers
13 England Steve Snitch Loose Forward, Prop Wakefield Trinity Wildcats
14 England Stuart Jones Second Row Huddersfield Giants
15 England Adam Milner Hooker Castleford Tigers
16 England Ryan Hudson Loose Forward, Hooker Huddersfield Giants
17 England Lee Mitchell Second Row Warrington Wolves*loan*
19 Scotland Paul Jackson Prop Huddersfield Giants
20 Australia Grant Millington Prop, Second Row Canterbury Bulldogs
21 England Oliver Holmes Second Row, Loose Forward Castleford Tigers
22 England Nathan Massey Prop, Second Row Castleford Tigers
23 United States Ryan McGoldrick Utility Back, Loose Forward Cronulla Sharks
24 England Stephen Nash Prop, Second Row Leigh Centurions
25 England Jordan Thompson Winger, Centre Castleford Tigers
26 England James Clare Winger Castleford Lock Lane
27 England John Davies Second Row, Loose Forward Castleford Lock Lane
28 AustraliaEngland James Grehan Centre, Second Row Limoux Grizzlies
29 England Andrew Tate Winger, Centre Asda Glasshoughton
30 England Ben Johnson Half Back Castleford Lock Lane
31
32 England Rhys Williams Winger Warrington Wolves

2012 Transfers

2012 Ins

No In Name Moved From Contract Length
C Ian Millward Leigh Centurions Head Coach 3 Years
1st Josh Griffin Wakefield Trinity Wildcats 1 Year
2nd Steve Nash Leigh Centurions 2 Years
C Stuart Donlan Leigh Centurions Assistant 3 Years
3rd Grant Millington Canterbury Bulldogs 2 Years
4th Lee Mitchell Warrington Wolves season long loan
5th James Grehan Limoux Grizzlies 1 Year
6th Rhys Williams Warrington Wolves 1 month loan

2012 Outs

No Out Name Moved To Contract Length
1st Dean Widders Gold Coast Titans Community Dept Retiring
C Terry Matterson North Queensland Cowboys Assistant 3 Years
2nd Greg Eden Huddersfield Giants 2 years
3rd Willie Isa Widnes Vikings 2 Year
4th Nick Fozzard Dewsbury Rams 1 Year
5th Martin Aspinwall Hull FC 1 Year
C Andy Hay Hull FC Assistant 1 years
6th James Clare Dewsbury Rams dual contract loan
7th Billy Harris Dewsbury Rams season long loan
8th Ryan Brierley Leigh Centurions dual contract loan
9th Richard Mathers Wakefield Trinity Wildcats season long loan

Players earning international caps while at Castleford

Other notable players

These players have either; played in a Challenge Cup, Yorkshire Cup, or Yorkshire League final, received a Testimonial match, are Hall Of Fame Inductees, were international representatives before, or after, their time at Castleford, or are notable outside of rugby league.[6]

Honours

Records

Super League era

Player records

Team records

  • Biggest win: 106-0 vs Rochdale 9 September 2007
  • Heaviest defeat: 4-72 vs St. Helens, 13 August 2006
  • Highest attendance: 11,731 vs Leeds Rhinos, 7 March 2004

All Time

Player records

Team records

  • Rugby Football League Championships: None. 1926–Present day
  • Biggest win: 106-0 vs Rochdale Hornets, 9 September 2007
  • Heaviest defeat: 4-72 vs St Helens, 13 August 2006
  • Highest attendance: 25,449 vs Hunslet 9 March 1935
  • Most Tries In One Season By A Single Player: 40 - St John Ellis, 1993/94 Season

Sources

References

  1. ^ Dave Hadfield (20 December 1995). "Rugby's pounds 87m deal gives Murdoch transfer veto". London: The Independent. Retrieved 6 May 2009.
  2. ^ John Ledger (18 July 2008). "RFL boss praises clubs for franchise bid work". Sporting Life. Retrieved 20 April 2009.
  3. ^ BBC Sport (23 July 2008). "Three clubs given A grade licences". BBC. Retrieved 23 July 2008.
  4. ^ "Tigers face stadium wait". Sky Sports.
  5. ^ http://www.thechallengecup.com/report.php?id=3260717
  6. ^ "Listing of every player to ever play for Castleford RL". thecastlefordtigers.co.uk. 31 December 2011. Retrieved 1 January 2012.

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