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How Castleford Tigers could line up in 2025 including three new quota signings

Picture by Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com - Danny McGuire.
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


Castleford Tigers will enter the 2025 Super League season under a new head coach in Danny McGuire, who replaces Craig Lingard after his surprise departure. The Fords, meanwhile, have been busy in the recruitment market in recent weeks, adding new overseas players to slot into what is a new-look side. Here, Rugby League Live looks at how they could line up next season.

1. Tex Hoy
Arriving from Hull FC back in April, Hoy has impressed at various stages since his move to West Yorkshire. He scored seven tries in 17 games and will be looking for a strong second year at the club.

2. Innes Senior
The athletic winger has made his loan move at Castleford permanent, scoring 17 tries in 29 games throughout 2024. He was ever present for the Fords and is likely to take one of the two wing spots.

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3. Zac Cini
Signed from Parramatta Eels, Cini has already outlined his ambition ahead of his move to Super League. He has New South Wales Cup experience and, at 24, still has all of his best years ahead of him.

4. Sam Wood
A cruel injury while playing for England ended his 2024 season when in top form. However, he'll be looking to return with a bang next year with his strong running and is surely a shoe in for a spot.

5. Louis Senior
Castleford were dealt two long-term injuries to Louis Senior and Josh Simm last season. The former, meanwhile, was certainly impressive after his move from Hull KR, scoring five tries in his first four games. Simm will also be looking to hit the ground running after an injury-hit year with a tasty battle ahead.

6. Daejarn Asi
The former Parramatta Eels half is set to slot straight into McGuire's side. Playing for the Sydney-based club in the NRL at the end of last season, fans got a glimpse of the Samoan talent, who has a strong running game. He's signed a two-year deal and is certainly one to watch.

7. Rowan Milnes
The former Hull KR talent improved as the year went on and could now get the nod at half-back. He has the capability to steer the Fords around the field with a strong left-foot kicking game.

8. Liam Watts
The 34-year-old prop split his appearances last season through starting and from the interchange, but there's no doubt he can still do a job for Castleford in the number eight role. Adapting his game, the former Hull FC man has plenty to give.

9. Judah Rimbu
The one-time Hull FC target is now a Castleford player and perhaps one of the most exciting additions to Super League next year. He's the reigning Queensland Cup Player of the Year and also starred playing for Papua New Guinea in the Pacific Cup. Expect some explosive running from dummy half.

10. Muizz Mustapha
The 24-year-old finished the year strong and became a regular in the Castleford side. He'll be looking for another big year in 2025.

11. George Lawler
The Hull-born forward is capable of playing throughout the pack, but he could find himself on an edge next year. However, a move back to the middle is also an option should Castleford pull off the signing of Jeremiah Simbiken, as reported by Rugby League Live this Friday morning.

12. Alex Mellor
Castleford's Player of the Year for 2024, Mellor will now look to kick on after turning 30 at the end of last season. He had a superb campaign and brings plenty of experience to the side.

13. Joe Westerman
The 35-year-old is celebrating a testimonial year next term following a strong return to his hometown club. Westerman has been superb for a couple of seasons now and still plays a crucial role in the middle of the field, linking the forwards to the half-backs and allowing the side to play that little bit wider.

Interchange: Liam Horne
The PNG star was one of Castleford's best in 2024 and can slot in at either hooker or loose-forward. He's a handy member of the squad with some real talent in his locker.

Interchange: Sylvester Namo
Another PNG international, Namo improved as the season went on and will now look for a bigger and better second year at the club.

Interchange: Sam Hall
A product of Castleford's academy, Hall enjoyed a promising season in 2024. At just 22, he'll be looking to kick on now and cement himself as a Super League player.

Interchange: George Griffin

The experienced prop forward moves into the final year of his contract in 2025 after an injury-hit 2024 campaign. However, he'll be looking to hit the ground running again under Danny McGuire.

18th Man: Cain Robb

The energetic hooker could be a big part of McGuire's outfit in 2025. He's explosive and brings plenty of energy to the table.

How do you think Castleford will line up next season? Let us know in the comments below.

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