Tickle exits grateful for Tigers lifeline

Danny Tickle has thanked Castleford Tigers for giving him the chance to play top-flight rugby again.
Danny Tickle is to join Leigh.Danny Tickle is to join Leigh.
Danny Tickle is to join Leigh.

The forward only arrived at Wheldon Road in April, grabbing his chance of Super League football, after being released by Widnes Vikings.

But after 11 games for Castleford, including Sunday’s defeat to Warrington Wolves, Tickle has been released to sign for Championship side Leigh Centurions.

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The Tigers were unable to offer the 33-year-old a new deal beyond this season, unlike Leigh, who are preparing for the impending Qualifiers.

Tickle said: “I’ve really enjoyed my time here at Cas and I can’t thank the club enough for everything they’ve done for me.

“The medical and conditioning team really pushed me through and I’m so grateful for their help in getting me back playing again. I’ve loved playing here. The Jungle has a great atmosphere and the fans have welcomed me, they are always on your side and they are great ambassadors for the club.

“I spoke to Steve (Gill) and Daryl (Powell) when this opportunity at Leigh came about for me and they appreciate that it’s an opportunity that I had to take. It’s a new challenge ahead for me but one I am looking forward to.”

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Since arriving at the Tigers in April this year, Tickle has helped bolster an injury-hit squad.

Previously, he had two seasons with the Vikings, after spells at Hull FC, Wigan Warriors and Halifax since making his first-team debut back in 2000.

Head coach Daryl Powell praised Tickle as a “great professional” and said the club could not stand in his way after Leigh offered him a long-term deal.

“It has been a pleasure to have Danny Tickle at the club, he is a great professional and a really good bloke,” said Powell.

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“Leigh gave him a good opportunity for the rest of the season and into next season and bearing in mind we potentially wouldn’t have offered him a contract next year I felt it was the right thing to do in allowing him to take up this offer.

“I would like to wish him all the best for the future.“

Steve Gill, Tigers’ CEO, said: “Danny has been great in the short time he’s been with us.

“I’m glad we’ve been able to help him in his transition back in to Super League. However, at this time we were unable to offer him a deal any further than this year and after discussions we thought it was best for him and his family to take this opportunity, and we wish him all the best for his future.”

Leigh have also confirmed the capture of Catalans forward Antoni Maria on a two-year deal for next season.

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Halifax goalkicker Steve Tyrer will miss the remainder of the season after suffering a serious arm injury.

Tyrer, who this year equalled the club’s record for most points scored in a game and also surpassed 1,000 points for the club, suffered the injury in Halifax’s defeat to Featherstone on Sunday, a loss which severely damaged their top-four hopes.