'Sleeping giant': Castleford Tigers rebuild gathers pace as Chris Chester reveals recruitment plans

A record of six wins from 15 Super League matches represents incremental progress but the Tigers remain some distance from the competition's leading lights.

Yet beneath the raw numbers, there is a growing sense that something is stirring at Wheldon Road.

Attendances are climbing, an ambitious recruitment drive is gathering pace and optimism is slowly returning.

For director of rugby Chris Chester, the signs of progress extend far beyond the league table.

"Our big focus at the start of the year was to get the Castleford people believing again," he said.

"We want these guys to enjoy the product we're putting on the field and to come back. There were over 7,000 there against Toulouse on Saturday night, which is a great attendance considering there were no away fans.

"The fan zone was packed and there was a really good feel and atmosphere. We never take that support for granted.

"Slowly but surely, people are starting to believe in what we're trying to do as a club. We know we've got a sleeping giant here. It's our job as staff to deliver what we've promised."

There have been bumps in the road during Ryan Carr's first season in charge but the Tigers need just one more win to surpass last year's points tally with 12 games remaining.

Since conceding 50 points in heavy back-to-back losses to Hull KR and Hull FC, Castleford have found a level of consistency that has strengthened belief around the club.

"Overall, it's been very positive," said Chester.

"Going into the season, we knew where we stood and that it was going to take time. The pleasing thing, certainly the last five weeks, is the consistency we've shown.

"We've already matched last season with six wins. If you take the couple of bad defeats out of the equation, we've got to be pretty happy with the progress we've made on and off the field.

"We've got another massive game on Friday night against York. We need to keep that momentum going now."

As the man responsible for recruitment, Chester is tasked with ensuring the rebuild continues to gather pace.

Castleford have already announced the signings of former New South Wales star Damien Cook and St George Illawarra Dragons team-mate Mat Feagai for next year, in addition to the long-term recruits that joined the club early in Phoenix Laulu-Togaga'e, Tyler Dupree and Jack Brown.

The Tigers have also been heavily linked with Leigh Leopards prop Robbie Mulhern and playmaker Ben McNamara.

"We've got another three or four to announce and are working on a couple of others," said Chester. "We'll announce those over the coming weeks.

"Selling the club hasn't been a difficult job. Everybody can see what we're trying to achieve.

"We're really happy with the quality of players we're signing. Damien Cook, for instance, is still playing 80 minutes in the NRL. He's an unbelievable athlete and an unbelievable human being. He'll definitely be a leader and a fans' favourite.

"Myself, Ryan, Danny Wilson, Martin Jepson and the board, we're all working really closely to try and produce a team capable of being involved in play-off rugby in the near future."

Not every recruitment move proves straightforward.

Mikaele Ravalawa arrived as one of Castleford's headline signings for 2026 but the winger has not featured for two months and is now facing a battle to force his way back into the side.

The Fiji international has also been linked with an early exit.

"He's contracted for next year," said Chester.

"He's fit and available to play but at the moment he doesn't get in front of the players who have been playing so well.

"Semi Valemei is back from his suspension this week. I thought he was outstanding against St Helens.

"It's a nice little headache for the coach to have. We weren't in this position two or three months ago when we were having to ring around for loans."

One by one, the pieces are starting to fall into place.

Few are better placed to judge the mood around the club than Chester.

In his view, the biggest change has come in the culture being driven by Carr.

"Ryan has been my best signing for 2026," declared Chester.

"He's brought a real professionalism to the club. He's had a big input off the field, bringing the town together in terms of things we've done out in the community.

"Ryan lives and breathes Castleford rugby league. He's a Cas lad now.

"He wants what everybody wants at Castleford Tigers – success. He's certainly the man to guide us to that success in the next few years.

"It's going to take a little bit of time but I'm really, really confident that we're going to have a really bright future here at Castleford Tigers."