Castleford Tigers new boy lined up for derby debut with Valemei ruled out
Castleford Tigers have moved quickly to plug a gap with former North Queensland Cowboys winger Semi Valemei ruled out of Sunday’s derby gme with Wakefield Trinity at the OneBore Stadium.
Valemei has impressed in his two starts for the Tigers since coming over from Australia after a hamstring injury ruled him out of the early games in the Super League season, but picked up a concussion when hitting his head on the ground making a tackle in the match against Bradford Bulls.
He subsequently failed a HIA and will be forced to sit out the next match against Trinity.
His place will likely go to new signing Jake Thewlis, who has arrived on a month-long loan deal from Warrington Wolves.
The 20-year-old winger has been brought in to bolster Castleford’s three quarter options ahead of the derby game and will be straight into contention to make his debut if he impresses sufficiently in training this week.
Thewlis made his Super League debut against Wigan Warriors back in June 2024, before continuing his development out on loan with North Wales Crusaders, London Broncos and Salford Red Devils.
He has made 34 senior appearances to date, scoring 17 tries, and is pleased to be given a chance of some more game time with Cas.
He said: "I’m really grateful to the club for bringing me in and giving me the opportunity to come, develop and get some game time.
"I'm excited to get out there with the team and show what I can contribute to group, whilst having the opportunity to develop my game with Super League game time."
Director of Rugby Chris Chester said: “We are delighted to get Jake into Castleford Tigers.
"We are down on troops in the outside backs and being able to bring someone in of the quality of Jake is huge for us."