Evans and Wainwright win new Tigers contract

Castleford Tigers have given two of their backs new contracts after impressing this season. Michael Wainwright has penned a new one-year deal while James Evans has been rewarded with a new two-year deal.

However, import Sione Faumuina has been released by the club in a mutual agreement and has returned back to Australia, however the Tigers have not elaborated on the reason as to why.

Wainwright, 28, joined the club in 2007 from Batley Bulldogs for the Tigers National League One promotion winning campaign and has impressed in the string of run-outs he has made over the past two Super League seasons.

He said: “I’m really pleased to be staying with the Tigers. So far this has been a good year, we have a settled team and in keeping a lot of the current squad together that should continue next season when I believe that the club can improve still further.”

Evans, meanwhile, joined the club from Bradford Bulls after previous spells with Wakefield and Huddersfield. The 30-year old has made 17 appearances for the club in this current campaign, scoring nine tries.

Tigers coach Terry Matterson said: “I’m very pleased that we have been able to tie up another two members of our current squad. Both are real professionals who always give 100% and both are popular members of the squad.

“Jimmy has made himself a key player and it showed recently when he was out for a few weeks how we missed his presence. Michael wasn’t in the starting line up at the beginning of the season but he has established himself and made the position his own.

“And both are great trainers and good role models for the developing young players in our squad.”

Evans added: “I’m really excited to have signed this new deal with the Tigers. It’s a good club and in Terry Matterson we have a good coach and I believe that Castleford are heading in the right direction and I’m looking to be part of that for the next couple of seasons.”