How move to Castleford Tigers gave Liam Watts renewed lease of life

The forward hopes to captain Castleford in the future and admitted that Daryl Powell had a big influence on his decision to make the switch to West Yorkshire.

The 29-year-old, who won the Challenge Cup in 2016 and 2017 with Hull FC, was serving a three-match suspension when signed by the Tigers in March 2018.

The ban came after he was red carded for a headbutt, his fourth dismissal in less than 12 months.

“It has given me a new lease of life, it has brought a new temperament for me,” reflected Watts on joining Cas.

“It has really settled me down, family-wise, and in my mind as well. I was getting a little bit erratic at the back end of my Hull career. I think that was a little bit of agitation and I had a bit of stuff going on in my personal life. Coming back to Castleford it all seemed to ease.

“It has allowed me to really settle down and it has been one of the best moves I have ever made; coming back to Cas.”

Watts believes that the Tigers are in a great position to challenge for silverware when the season resumes.

Castleford are joint-top of the Super League table, after winning five of their opening seven games and are only kept off the top, occupied by Wigan Warriors, on points difference.

“It is something that the town needs and something the club needs,” Watts added.

“There are really good foundations and a good crop of young kids coming through. I am probably in the prime of my career as are a few of the other players like Paul McShane.

“I reckon if there is ever chance of us winning some silverware it is in the coming season.”

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