2023 Season Preview: Castleford Tigers

It was an agonising end to 2022 for the Tigers. Lee Radford's side missed out on a Play-Off spot after a loss to the Rhinos during the final round of the regular season. Ultimately, it was their end of season form which proved to be their undoing. Cas lost five of their final seven games in Betfred Super League, a run which saw them give up a commanding position in the top six.

Cas were at their best when they had consistency in their spine. Injuries to Danny Richardson and Jake Trueman, as well as a revolving door of full backs, inhibited their progress late on in the year. The arrival of Gareth Widdop and Jacob Miller alongside a fit again Niall Evalds and a revitalised Paul McShane could be a recipe for success for the Tigers in 2023.

Ins & Outs

Ins

Gareth Widdop (Warrington Wolves), Muizz Mustapha (Leeds Rhinos), Jacob Miller (Wakefield Trinity), Albert Vete (Hull KR), Jack Broadbent (Leeds Rhinos), Jacob Hookem (Hull FC), Bailey Dawson (Hull KR), Ilkaya Mafi (Hull FC)

Outs

Derrell Olpherts (Leeds Rhinos), Jake Trueman (Hull FC), Gareth O'Brien (Leigh Leopards), James Clare (released), Cheyse Blair (released), Sosaia Feki (released)

Ones to watch

2023 stars

Much of Castleford's success in 2023 is likely to depend on the form of new signings Gareth Widdop and Jacob Miller. The experienced playmakers are tasked with taking the Tigers one step further in 2023 after missing out on the top six last season.

 Widdop suffered a season-ending injury in July which cut his final season at Warrington short. He will be hoping to find form reminiscent of 2021 - a season which saw the former England international shortlisted for the Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel award. Alongside Miller, the pair have the potential to compliment one another alongside a talented Castleford spine.

? year ? faces

See every game in #TigerTown in 2023 with Membership
? https://t.co/YsHjNGkzJN#COYF
— Castleford Tigers (@CTRLFC) January 2, 2023

Miller played a season under Lee Radford during their time at Hull FC but will rekindles their relationship as very different prospects. Radford is a Challenge Cup winning head coach and a World Cup Finalist as an assistant, whilst Miller has matured into a general in the halves. Miller's ability to organise a team and create chances for players outside was integral to Trinity's survival in 2022 and will be vital for Cas this season, whilst Widdop will be afforded the freedom to play off-the-cuff and take on opposition defences with his devastating running game.

Next generation

Exciting outside back Jason Qareqare is building quite the catalogue of highlight reel moments. He lit up Betfred Super League once again in 2022 during his limited opportunities on the field - none more so than his outstanding solo try against St Helens which earned him the Northern Try of the Season award. Qareqare will again be battling for a spot on the Tigers wing, but the loss of Derrell Olpherts during the off season could open the door for more regular game time for him in 2023. 

The 2022 @northernassist Try of the Season ??

Congratulations, @CTRLFC's Jason Qareqare ? #SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/KJysheV1z9
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) December 24, 2022

Defining dates

The Tigers end of season inconsistency paired with shaky away form proved to be their undoing in 2022. Of their 14 regular season losses, 10 were away from home. In 2023, the Tigers finish the season with three away games from their last four fixtures. It could be make or break for Lee Radford's side and if they have any chance of reconciling their disappointing end to 2022 by making the top six, they will need to win games away from home. 

The Tigers travel to Warrington in Round 24 before their final home game in Round 25, followed by two huge away games against the Warriors and Rhinos to determine the outcome of their 2023 season.

Squad list

1. Niall Evalds, 2. Greg Eden, 3. Jordan Turner, 4. Mahe Fonua, 5. Bureta Faraimo, 6. Gareth Widdop, 7. Jacob Miller, 8. George Lawler, 9. Paul McShane, 10. George Griffin, 11. Kenny Edwards, 12. Alex Mellor, 13. Joe Westerman, 14. Nathan Massey, 15. Alex Sutcliffe, 16. Adam Milner, 17. Jack Broadbent, 18. Callum McLelland, 19. Albert Vete, 20. Muizz Mustapha, 21. Jake Mamo, 22. Daniel Smith, 23. Suaia Matagi, 24. Cain Robb, 25. Brad Martin, 26. Elliot Wallis, 27. Bailey Dawson, 28. Sam Hall, 29. Kieran Hudson, 30. Jacob Hookem, 31. Jason Qareqare, 32. Liam Watts, 33. Aaron Willis, 34. George Hill, 35. Ilikaya Mafi, 36. Hugo Nikhata, 37. Danny Richardson.