Joe Stimson keeps Castleford Tigers challenges in perspective after experiencing life as gardener

Making that leap midway through a Super League campaign takes that challenge to another level.

Throw in the sacking of the coach after just two games and Joe Stimson could have been forgiven for wondering what he had got himself into.

But the situation the forward found himself in back home in Australia gave him some perspective.

Without a club following his release by Gold Coast Titans, Stimson had a taste of working life before Castleford Tigers offered him a route back into the sport.

He hasn't forgotten that despite the challenges he has faced in his short time at Wheldon Road.

"I was landscaping and doing maintenance work with my neighbour when Castleford thankfully popped up," said Stimson.

"It was a bit of a rollercoaster coming over mid-season and leaving my three-month-old behind.

"But it was an opportunity I wanted to take. My partner said I should come for three months and they'd join me after that.

"It was challenging. Magsy (Danny McGuire) getting sacked threw a spanner in the works but with respect to him, I think we're better for it. Carry (Ryan Carr) is doing a great job.

"I want to repay Cas for giving me this opportunity. The fans have had a lot of heartache so I want to help put smiles on faces."

Having tasted success just twice in 11 appearances, those moments of joy were few and far between for Stimson and everyone connected with the Tigers in 2025.

But that didn't dampen the enthusiasm of a town that lives and breathes rugby league.

"Whilst there were challenges, those three months were really enjoyable as well," added Stimson.

"I was living in Castleford and got to see how much the club means to a lot of people. When I went down to the local grocery shop or chatted to my neighbours, it was clear they all loved Cas.

"I'm from a country town and it's a country feel here. It made me feel right at home really quickly. Now I've got my family here, it's even better."

If Stimson was thrown in at the deep end last summer, winter has brought a sense of calm – albeit one that has thrown up a different kind of challenge.

A winter in England is not for the faint-hearted but it has been just the tonic for a player who missed out on a pre-season 12 months ago.

Those hard yards, combined with the lessons of 2025, leave Stimson confident of hitting the ground running when the new campaign kicks off next month.

"It's obviously been more beneficial having a full pre-season rather than coming in halfway through," said the Australian, who also represented Melbourne Storm and Canterbury Bulldogs back home.

"Because I was working and playing Q (Queensland) Cup, I missed having that base of K's (kilometres) in the legs last year. It showed in a few games when I got into the deeper minutes.

"It's a very different game from the NRL. You've got to get used to the slower pace. In saying that, it's so much more physical. The hits and the line speed are something I had to really get used to.

"I feel I did towards the back end but I've had a full pre-season now and can fly into round one."

Castleford have ushered in a new era during the winter months as Carr puts his stamp on the club alongside director of rugby Chris Chester, who has revamped a struggling squad with as many as 13 recruits.

The Tigers count Fijian pair Mikaele Ravalawa and Semi Valemei among their overseas additions, while the likes of Jordan Lane and Liam Hood provide valuable Super League experience.

Carr is still getting his own feet under the table but the head coach has already united players new and old.

"Everyone is buying into it, which is the best part," said Stimson. "We're a tight-knit group heading in the same direction.

"We're just looking forward to playing. We just don't want to beat ourselves this year.

"We're going to be competitive and hopefully ruffle a few feathers."

Castleford must navigate a long road back to the top after spending the past few seasons fighting fires at the wrong end of Super League.

Indeed, it has been seven years since the club last reached the play-offs.

But Stimson has seen something stir in the Tigers during his short stay.

Having experienced Wheldon Road at its inhospitable best in the September derby win over Wakefield Trinity and witnessed the strides made in pre-season, the 30-year-old heads into the new campaign with a genuine sense of optimism.

"Making the finals is definitely achievable for us," said Stimson, who is set to line up against St Helens in today's friendly. "That's our goal. If that's not your goal, you shouldn't be playing.

"To get the Jungle packed out would be awesome. All the boys have said that there's nothing worse as an opponent than coming to a packed Jungle.

"I got a taste of it when we played Wakefield. That was one of the best games I've been a part of in terms of the atmosphere.

"The place was bouncing. Hopefully we can have more days like that."