Castleford sign Halifax star Quentin Laulu-Togaga’e

Castleford have signed full-back Quentin Laulu-Togaga’e from Halifax on a deal until the end of the season.

The 33-year-old started the season with Toronto Wolfpack but joined Halifax just a couple of months into the 2018 season.

However, Castleford were on the lookout to find a full-back and have snapped up Laulu-Togaga’e, who had a clause in his contract with Fax that he would be allowed to leave if any Super League clubs approached him.

Laulu-Togaga’e, who attracted interest from Salford Red Devils, had his first training session with the Tigers on Thursday morning and is delighted to have secured a move to Super League.

The former Samoa international said: “I only found out the move on Wednesday night and my head is still spinning a little bit but I’ve been out there this morning for my first session with the boys and I’m really excited to be involved with such a great club.

“I already know some of the boys here and that makes it an easier transition, I had another Super League club wanting me but it was a no brainer to come to Cas and I can’t wait to get my chance to pull on the Cas jersey.”

Tigers coach Daryl Powell is happy to have found a proper full-back.

He said: “I think in terms of a position that we have found really difficult to fill this season, it is a key signing for us.

“I’ve always really liked him as a player, I think he is a great fit for the way that we play and everyone that I speak to about him says positive things, and it gives us strength in depth in the outside backs where we have struggled a little bit recently with a couple of injuries.

“I think it’s a great opportunity for Q, he’s a senior player and an experienced player and it’s a great opportunity for him to come in and make his mark. We have got some work to do this season and I think he could play a key part in helping us to improve.”

Halifax have released a statement on the transfer.

It read: “Quentin Laulu-Togaga’e had a clause in his contract that if approached by a Super League club then he could leave.

“It was one of the conditions that he asked for when he came to us in the first place.

“We have seen how effective Q has been and this has meant that Super League clubs have shown some interest in the last week, with several clubs looking to bring him in. He has decided to go to Cas.

“We have a good relationship with them and don’t want to lose our best players to anyone – however in this Instance we feel this is the best outcome for Halifax. We may see Q again playing for fax at some point again this year (on dual-registration).”