Castleford Tigers rebuild continues with ins and outs - and more expected
The fall-out from Castleford Tigers’ disappointing centenary season has continued with more ins and outs confirmed in the last week.
The Tigers previously announced their end-of-season exits as they confirmed which of their out of contract players were not having their deals renewed.
But more are expected to depart and the first of those confirmed is 2026 captain Alex Mellor, who was contracted for next year.
Mellor joined Cas in 2022 from Leeds Rhinos and has made 112 appearances for the the club, proving one of their better performers in recent years and earning the honour of being captain.
The season just finished has not been so good for Mellor with some fans booing him after one of the Tigers’ home defeats, leading to a likely parting of the ways.
The 32-year-old back-rower is believed to be joining Catalans Dragons and his departure leaves another big hole for Cas to fill as they are short of players in his position.
They have been busy filling more of the holes in the squad with confirmation of the signing of half-backs Mason Lino from Wakefield Trinity and Ben McNamara from Leigh Leopards.
Lino, 32, has signed a two-year deal and will bring vast experience to the side with more than 160 first grade appearances to his name.
McNamara, 25, has also penned a two-year contract and will bring versatility as he can play at hooker as well as half-back. He spent the last month at Cas on loan.
Joe Westerman, meanwhile, who has been hit by concussion injuries this year, has confirmed his retirement after 20 years as a player.
Starting and finishing his career at Cas, he first burst onto the scene as a 17-year-old and went on to play 467 games, with 213 of those for the Tigers.