Castleford and Wakefield moving towards ground-share option

Wakefield Council have suggested an independent feasibility study to consider both clubs' proposed sites, which are just two junctions apart on the M62, and concede the business case for one single stadium is now "overwhelming".

Castleford entertain Wakefield at The Jungle on Sunday but matters off the field are reaching a crucial stage with the need to find a new home for both pivotal given the next round of Super League licences are coming up next year.

Each has been warned by the RFL it needs to improve its stadia but talks about sharing a ground have stalled due to each believing they have the finer model.

However, Head of Wakefield Council Peter Box said: "I can confirm that a joint meeting has been held with both Wakefield Trinity Wildcats and Castleford Tigers.

"The Council's current financial position, which has changed dramatically since the election, was discussed and in the circumstances in which we now find ourselves – losing 70m from our schools building programme, losing more millions from highways – the business case for one single stadium is overwhelming.

"We agreed last year to support each club by giving them land to the value of 2m, dependent on them producing a financial plan for the stadia.

"This offer runs out in September and the Council's new financial position now means that, unless there is agreement on a single stadium, Cabinet could not recommend to Council that this financial offer is renewed.

"Both clubs acknowledge that there is a real need for urgency especially with the next round of Super League franchises coming up in 2011."

Box continued: "However, we do not accept there is any need for the clubs to merge and indeed will seek assurances from the Rugby Football League that they would not seek a merger.

"We have suggested an independent assessment of both proposed sites to determine which one is deliverable in the timescale and is the most financially viable."

Castleford chief executive Richard Wright said: "The shared stadium is an exciting concept and we agree in principle that it is the best option for both clubs and the community.

"For our part, we are an ambitious club and want to play at the highest level on a sustainable basis.

"Our objectives are very clear, to secure our Super League status, maximise revenue to enable us to build a winning team and to play at a stadium our supporters can be proud of.

"These are all priorities we share with the Wildcats and in this economic climate; a shared stadium is the best and importantly, the quickest way of achieving this."

Wright added Castleford will continue to work on its own stadium project in the interim with detailed architectural designs hopefully ready for public viewing within four weeks.

But he added: "It is however important considering the time constraints regarding Super League licensing that all parties work together in an open and honest way with a view to developing a shared stadium facility.

"We will continue to act in the best interests of Castleford Tigers and its supporters to take what steps are needed to ensure our continued status as a Super League club."