Craig Lingard outlines Castleford Tigers recruitment needs after disappointing finish

The dust is settling on another challenging year for the Tigers that resulted in a 10th-place finish, a marginal improvement on last season.

Castleford gave opportunities to unproven Super League players at the start of a three-year plan but are recruiting in a higher bracket in an effort to reach the next level in 2025.

"The fans have been outstanding this year and have followed us home and away being very, very vocal," said Lingard.

"The noise is there and the passion is never in question. One of the biggest things I've noticed this season is how passionate people are about Castleford Tigers and rugby league in the area.

"They've been very, very good with us this year and I think the club have been quite open with them throughout the season.

"I think it was really important at the start of the year to let the fans know what the three-year project was because if we'd kept our cards close to our chest, there might have been more discontent. They've been very understanding about where we are.

"We've got to go into the second year of this three-year project and bring better quality players in to make sure our 17 and extended squad is stronger."

The club slashed the playing budget for this season but Lingard has more to spend as he prepares for his second year in charge.

Castleford are close to adding to the sole signing of Parramatta Eels centre Zac Cini.

"I'm not 100 per cent sure what the spend is going to be but the budget is going up next season," added Lingard. "Over the three-year period the budget was going to go up year on year.

"We need at least six or seven. We probably need to bring in at least another couple of middles, potentially a back-rower, half-back. Zac Cini is already confirmed in the centres.

"A couple are very, very close to being confirmed if not already confirmed. Hopefully we can get those names out soon and show the people of Castleford that have been following us really well this year that we are progressing and working hard."

Castleford's shortcomings were exposed by Huddersfield Giants in a 34-10 defeat in the final game of 2024.

Luke Robinson's immediate priority is to get his staff in place after taking the reins from Ian Watson midseason.

"I've been doing this by myself," said Robinson.

"I coach the under-13s at Siddal and have two assistants; I coach Huddersfield Giants and I'm by myself – me, myself and Irene. I feel a bit like Dick van Dyke in Mary Poppins with everything going on.

"I need to sort an assistant and the S&C is leaving which plays a big part in your preparation for next year. We're in the process of finding somebody for that role.

"I think the assistant will be in the next week or so – if he agrees."

Like Castleford, the Giants have been slow off the mark in the recruitment market with Tom Burgess and Zac Woolford the only confirmed additions.

Hull KR prop George King and Hull FC outside back Liam Sutcliffe are among the players being linked with Huddersfield.

"Fingers crossed they should be good players for us – if we do get them," said Robinson.

"Certain clubs are talking about '26 but we're still looking at '25 at the moment.

"We think the players coming in next year will add some quality. Not only are they good players but good people and leaders as well. We need some experienced boys to come in."