Break out star signs new deal to stay with Castleford Tigers

Centre Krystian Mapapalangi has made a big impression since arriving from Australia just before the start of the season and after making his debut in the Challenge Cup tie at Doncaster he has gone on to score six tries and provide four try assists in his first nine Betfred Super League appearances for the club.

The 23-year-old says he has been enjoying his rugby in England and it has shown on the field with a string of impressive displays that have led to the Tigers moving quickly to tie him down for longer than his original two-year deal.

On securing his future with the Tigers with a three-year contract extension that keeps him at Castleford until the end of the 2029 season, Mapapalangi said: "Really pleased, we finally got the deal done and that's what matters, so I'm happy.

"I'm playing good footy and I didn't want to move, it's really suited my style playing here with the boys.

"This year’s got the best out of me and the Ryan Carr plays and the style of footie, I’m really happy.

"I'm really enjoying my footy as you can tell on the weekends, especially on my edge with Daejarn (Asi), Gary (Jason Qareqare) and Mells (Alex Mellor). I'm building connections each week and I'm happy to be doing that into the future.

"I think Carry can get more out of me, I’m learning more from him and the boys here. But the main thing was staying on the field because I’ve had a couple of injuries in my career and I’m happy that it’s going well so far.”

Mapapalangi is delighted with the backing the fans give the team.

He added: "The fans have been massive. I remember playing my first game here, it was surreal.

"I heard about the fans before I came here and to actually see it live was pretty incredible, so I'm happy to do that for the next three years."

Tigers director of rugby Chris Chester said: “I’m delighted to get this deal over the line with Mapz.

"He’s been a great addition to our squad and has made an unbelievable impact on the field so far this year.

"I have a great relationship with Mapz going back a few years now and to have him at the club for the next three years is a significant signing for the club.

"He is exactly the type of player we want to build a club around."