McShane pens new Tigers deal

2 Jul 2021

McShane pens new Tigers deal

Castleford Tigers have announced star hooker Paul McShane has agreed to a three-year contract extension, keeping him at the Club until the end of the 2025 season.

McShane was already under contract for the 2022 campaign but has now signed an improved contract for next season and a three-year extension on top of it.

The 31-year-old has been an integral part of the Cas squad since his move to The Mend-A-Hose Jungle in 2015, being ever-present in the League Leaders’ Shield winning squad in 2017 and has consistently been a top performer for Daryl Powell’s team each season, which culminated in him being named the 2020 Steve Prescott Man of Steel last November.

Last Friday, 25th June, McShane also made his long-awaited senior international debut for England against the Combined Nations All Stars.

A firm fan favourite and a vital part of the Fords’ squad, McShane has committed his long-term future to Castleford for the next four seasons, which will take him to over ten years of service as a Tigers player.

Speaking about the news to castlefordtigers.com, a delighted Paul McShane said“I’m over the moon to be staying for the next four years, I have to give credit to Cas for improving next year’s deal for me as well which is something they didn’t have to do and something that I’m grateful for.

“I want to keep getting better at everything I do, hopefully in the next four years, it sees me keep improving and getting better.

I feel great, I feel as though the older I get, the smarter I’m getting both playing-wise and body wise in looking after myself.

“The club has made me the player that I am now, the people involved, my kids only know me playing for Cas which is a big factor as well. I’ve probably turned from a boy to a man here.??

McShane has been proudly sponsored by Brebur since joining Castleford, and they will continue to sponsor him once again in 2022, we thank them for their fantastic ongoing support of the club.

The Tigers #9 has flourished under Daryl Powell who has continually sought to improve McShane’s game since joining the club and the Head Coach has long desired him getting into the England senior setup. McShane admits he has nothing but praise for Powell and said: “He has been someone who has been that driving force in me getting better, every year he is wanting me to keep improving and keep pushing.

“As a man, I’ve got so much respect for him, the time and effort that he has put into me, sometimes I needed a cuddle, sometimes I needed a rocket up me, he knew the right times to do those things.??

At the end of the 2021 season, one chapter of Castleford Tigers will close and a new one will begin when Lee Radford becomes Head Coach from the 2022 campaign. McShane remains focused on sending Daryl Powell out on a high note, before embarking on a new challenge under Radford.

“There is plenty of motivation to give the fellas who are moving on the sendoff what I think they deserve.

“With a change, you can take it two ways you can think; ‘oh here we go, what is going to happen?’ but for me, it excites me.

“Do not get me wrong, the people that are leaving have played their part in my development, it is a bit scary, but it’s exciting as well and I can’t wait to get stuck in and hopefully Radders (Radford) and his coaching staff will give me a different style of play, and they will give me new things to add to my game which is something I’m looking forward to building.??

In a direct message to the Castleford supporters, McShane paid tribute to the fans, highlighting their backing of the team over the past 18 months amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Thank you, you guys sticking by us and supporting us no matter what definitely makes people want to stay and play for the club.??

Castleford Tigers Head Coach Daryl Powell shared his thoughts on the news that Paul McShane would be staying a Tiger for the next four seasons saying: “Paul has been such a pivotal figure ever since he came to the club, but he has grown in every aspect of his performance levels, and his professionalism is a real driver for the team. 

“He is a class fella, and I am delighted he has agreed to stay at Castleford, the club means so much to him and he means so much to the team.??

Head Coach of the Tigers from 2022 onwards Lee Radford was thrilled to confirm the long-term extension of the star hooker and commented: “To have Paul long-term is a credit to the club really and a credit to him, he is arguably one of the most influential players in any team in the competition, he seems to be getting better with age.

“I was fortunate enough to get to play with him at Hull when he came on loan from Leeds, formed a good relationship with him there and hopefully we can continue that in a coach and playing capacity.

“I think he is the most influential #9 in the comp, how he steers the team around and how he takes the pressure off the pivots and his leadership qualities are there to see.??