New recruit Tyla Hepi is ‘perfect fit’ for Castleford Tigers, admits Daryl Powell
The New Zealand-born prop, 25, has joined from Championship club Toulouse Olympique for 2020.
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Hide AdHe is the son of former Hull and Featherstone Rovers player Brad Hepi who also represented Castleford in 1999 and again two years later.
Powell explained: “Tyla carries the ball with a fair bit of whack and defensively he has some intent about him, too.
“I think he’ll be a perfect fit, if I’m honest. I knew his dad pretty well.
“I actually first met him when I went to play for Glenora in New Zealand in 1986. A long time ago…
“He was there, too, so I’ve known him a fair while.
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Hide Ad“He obviously came over here and had a pretty good career, too.
“Tyla’s now following in his dad’s footsteps, obviously playing for Castleford as well.
“He has a similar attitude to him; Brad was pretty fiery and Tyler’s the same. I’m looking forward to working with him.”
Hepi started out at Hull KR, playing a handful of Super League games for them, but has also featured with Wyong Roos, Auckland’s Point Chevalier Pirates and Whitehaven before spending the last four years with Toulouse.
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Hide AdHe can also play back-row and Tigers – who have signed him as a replacement for Wigan Warriors-bound Mitch Clark – have a further one-year option in their favour for 2021.
Hepi said: “I feel like I’ve gone the long way round in my career; I’ve not taken any shortcuts.
“Looking back, I wasn’t ready to be a Super League player the last time with Hull KR.
“It did leave a bitter taste in my mouth when I was younger and I’ve been trying to get that back ever since.
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Hide Ad“I used to be a bit loose out on the field but coming to Toulouse the coach here has coached that out of my game.
“I was a bit raw but full credit goes to him for making me the player I am today and I feel ready for this next step.”
Castleford hope to have two of their current Kiwi forwards – Junior Moors and Jesse Sene-Lefao – back in contention for Hull FC’s visit on Thursday night.
Hull, though, will be without in-form centre Josh Griffin who has received a one-game ban for the dangerous throw that saw him red carded in Friday’s win over Salford Red Devils.
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Hide AdThe Airlie Birds have also released Jordan Thompson so the 27-year-old utility player – who has been struggling for game-time recently – can rejoin Leigh Centurions.
Leaders St Helens have suffered a blow, assistant coach Sean Long leaving with immediate effect to join Premiership rugby union club Harlequins.
Richard Marshall, sacked as Halifax coach earlier this term, is expected to take over.