Castleford Tigers coach confirms interest in another Papua New Guinea star: ‘Definitely on the radar’

Castleford Tigers coach Andy Last has confirmed the club’s interest in signing Papua New Guinea international prop Sylvester Namo.

Castleford have already signed Papua New Guinea international back-rower Nixon Putt on a two-year deal from Queensland Cup side Central Queensland Capras from next season, according to The National.

And earlier this week, Yorkshire Live reported the Tigers were also keen on signing Putt’s international team-mate Namo.

The Super League club have yet to officially confirm the signings, but head coach Last declared his interest in them both in Thursday’s press conference.

“Yeah, definitely on the radar,” Last said when asked about their reported interest in the Kumuls duo.

“Two players that we’ve looked at with interest.

“Players that have got good pedigree, played against the England team in the World Cup and were very, very dominant in that PNG team and fit the age profile.

“They are certainly players that we’ve had a good look at.”

Castleford Tigers coach on Papua New Guinea prop Sylvester Namo

Prop Namo has mainly plied his trade in the Queensland Cup with the PNG Hunters and most recently Townsville Blackhawks.

Unfortunately, he has had his season cut short due to an ACL knee injury but Last says Namo would be back available to play in the opening rounds of next season.

“He’s recovering from a knee injury,” Last said.

“We’ve had a good look, he’s only 22 years of age so he’s of good age.

“He obviously picked up a bit of a knee injury but that was over two months ago now, so if we were to sign him then he’d be available in the early rounds of next season so there’s a little bit of short-term pain for long-term gain if we obviously did sign him.”

Namo has won four caps for the Kumuls, playing in his first World Cup last autumn as they reached the quarter-finals, where they lost to hosts England.

Putt, meanwhile, has played in the last two World Cup tournaments and has won 11 caps for his country.

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