Tigers take critical step towards moving into new home

Wakefield Council planning committee yesterday approved their proposals serving as a huge boost for the club’s hopes of earning another Super League licence.

Castleford – who require the move from PROBIZ Coliseum to enhance their long-term future in the top flight – already had outline permission for the state-of-the-art 13,300-capacity stadium but can now press on in readiness for moving there in 2013.

However, they still have one planning issue to overcome.

Tigers, one of the few clubs to own their own ground, recently secured an agreement with developers to sell their Wheldon Road home for a food retail outlet subject to its own planning consent.

They had intended to build homes on the ground but a slump in that market forced a re-think and they are hoping the change of use can fund the £50m development of both sites.

Castleford chief executive Richard Wright said: “This is the final piece of the ‘jigsaw’ in terms of delivering the new stadium.

“We are now firmly focused on achieving planning permission for the PROBIZ Coliseum as quickly as possible and we ask Wakefield Council and the town of Castleford to continue their fantastic support of the project.

“Today is another significant milestone for Castleford Tigers.

“This consent is not just good for the club; the delivery of the new Stadium will act as a catalyst for further development of the Glasshoughton site and will also kick-start regeneration in the Wheldon Road corridor and town centre.”

n Bradford Bulls coach Mick Potter is wary of struggling Hull FC finally finding the result their form warrants tonight.

He takes his side to the KC Stadium with Airlie Birds opposite number Richard Agar under pressure with just two wins so far.

Bradford moved up to seventh with victory over Harlequins while Hull are bolstered by the return of ex-Australian Test prop Mark O’Meley after injury, but saw captain Sean Long last night banned for two matches and fined £300.

“I am probably expecting a ‘backs to the wall’ performance from them,” said Potter.

“They have come very close against both Cas and Wigan, just missing out by a couple of points, and came back well at Quins.

“I am expecting their best and that their crowd will try and push them through.

“I think the Easter period will see the split in the competition – you’ll see after that period just where we all are.”

n Leeds Rhinos have put their revised plans for the re-development of their famous South Stand on display as part of a public consultation with detailed information at the ground until a week Monday before a formal planning application is submitted.

n Ex-England winger Waine Pryce returns from injury this evening to improve the chances of Hunslet as they entertain his former club Featherstone Rovers in the Northern Rail Cup quarter-final.