Castleford Tigers quartet make League 1 moves as destinations confirmed

Castleford Tigers have sent young quartet Woody Walker, Alfie Horwell, Andy Djeukessi and Akim Matvejev out on loan for the rest of the season, with all four sealing League 1 deals.

All four players will now be available for their new sides ahead of this weekend’s fixtures in the third tier, with Walker and Djeukessi returning to familiar surroundings.

Forward Walker heads back to Newcastle Thunder, who he has spent the last two weeks with, featuring in games against both North Wales Crusaders and Dewsbury Rams.

Having made his Super League debut for Cas last weekend in their defeat at St Helens, outside-back Djeukessi meanwhile links back up with Workington Town having scored five tries in four appearances for the Cumbrian outfit already this year.

Elsewhere, hooker Horwell joins Walker in the North East at Newcastle, while forward Matvejev makes the move to Rochdale Hornets.

Matvejev has played two Super League games this term, becoming the competition’s first-ever player from Estonia when he made his debut against Huddersfield Giants having been born in the capital city Tallinn.

‘We wish the lads all the best for the rest of the season’

Cas announced the quartet’s loan departures via social media on Thursday morning, writing on X: “We can confirm that the following players have gone on loan to the following clubs for the remainder of the season.

“Woody Walker & Alfie Horwell (Newcastle Thunder), Andy Djeukessi (Workington Town) and Akim Matvejev (Rochdale Hornets)

“We wish the lads all the best for the rest of the season as they continue their development with some valuable game time.”

Forward Matvejev has already had a taste of the third tier this term having donned a shirt as a loanee for Workington in a 56-22 defeat to league leaders North Wales Crusaders last month.

As he joined Rochdale, who are hoping to seal a top-four finish, the 19-year-old said: “I’m really excited to learn from a new set of players and coaches, and help where I can on the field.

“I’m ready to gain some valuable experience at the club and finish off the season strongly to hopefully break into the top four.”

The teenager’s Hornets debut, coincidentally, is expected to come this weekend against table-toppers Crusaders.

Head coach Gary Thornton added: “We have secured Akim on loan before the deadline to bolster the squad going into the final phase of the season.

“He’s a very promising young front-rower in a full-time environment with Castleford, and has already played League 1 this season.

“He’s a big aggressive forward who will add enthusiasm and quality to our options in the pack.”

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