Castleford Tigers set for Tex Hoy swoop after Hull FC release

Castleford Tigers have agreed a deal in principle to sign former Hull FC fullback Tex Hoy. Rugby League Live can reveal the Australian looks set to extend his time in the UK by signing a short-term contract with the Tigers.

Hoy, who came to a settlement agreement with the Black and Whites last week, is expected to sign a contract until the end of the season, which will provide Cas coach Craig Lingard with further options in his spine for the remainder of the year.

He will take the quota spot that was previously occupied by Albert Vete, with the forward set to leave the club imminently. Lingard confirmed earlier this week that talks had taken place regarding a premature exit for the prop, who has suffered another calf injury in what has been a frustrating spell at the club.

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Hoy, who made 29 NRL appearances before making the move to Super League, joined Hull FC last year and was named as the competition's player of the month in February 2023.

But he found himself out of favour under Tony Smith, dropped for their solitary victory of the season over London Broncos and then pulled off at half-time during his final appearance at the club, which was a heavy defeat to Huddersfield Giants.

It's believed that a deal has progressed in relatively quick fashion, with work on a move only beginning a few days ago once it became apparent that Vete was likely to leave. Now, however, it appears Hoy will be a Tigers player for the remainder of the season, though what happens beyond that currently remains to be seen.

It means a proposed move for Ben Nakubuwai is off the agenda, with the Leigh prop also discussed as a potential recruitment option this week. However, Hoy is now all but certain to be the man to take the quota spot that has been freed up. It comes at a time when first-choice fullback, Luke Hooley, is out with a shoulder injury.