'A very special player': Castleford Tigers tie down Cain Robb to continue homegrown focus

The hooker has signed a two-year contract extension that will keep him at Wheldon Road until at least the end of 2026.

George Hill, Jason Qareqare and Sam Hall have also been rewarded with new deals in recent days as part of Castleford's commitment to building a team around academy products.

Robb graduated from the scholarship and academy programmes before making his Super League debut in 2021, the first of 22 appearances to date.

The 21-year-old has featured off the bench in the last six games to take his 2024 tally to eight.

Tigers director of rugby Danny Wilson views the retention of Robb as another step in the right direction for the club.

"Cain is a very special player who brings the energy to the team that we need," said Wilson.

"When he comes off the bench, he’s always hunting the attackers down and his defence is very good.

"When he gets a quick play of the ball, we see him jump out and sometimes I don’t think he’ll know what he’s going to do so other teams don’t either.

"He’s certainly got it in his game where he can play off the cuff and he’s exciting to watch so to get him tied down is a testament to where the club is going.

"The commitment of the club to retain the best players is something you have to do to compete for trophies."

Robb has been sharing the hooker duties with Paul McShane and Liam Horne.

The youngster now has the opportunity to stake a claim to replace McShane in the number nine shirt, should the veteran retire as planned at the end of next year.

"I'm absolutely buzzing to get it over the line," said Robb.

"I can't wait to knuckle down and focus on these next two years. Hopefully I can keep pushing to be in that 17 week in, week out.

"My game is about making an impact. I want to cause havoc running out of dummy-half.

"I'm not the finished article yet so I just want to keep improving."