Mahe Fonua excited for Lee Radford reunion at Castleford

Correspondent
Mahe Fonua in action for Hull

Tongan outside back Mahe Fonua, who was released by Hull to make room for fresh signings, has joined his old coach Lee Radford at Castleford.

The Tigers have signed the 28-year-old winger or centre on an initial one-year contract, with second and third-year options in the club’s favour. The former Melbourne player helped Hull win back-to-back Challenge Cup finals under Radford in his first stint with the Black and Whites and returned for a second spell three years ago.Fonua said: “I’m really happy and excited to be joining Castleford, happy it’s all sorted and completed.

“I think the timing has been ideal, with Radford coming in, the start of a new chapter, and the new signings he’s bringing into the club – I’m really excited to be a part of it.

“I feel Lee gets the best out of me with the way he treats me and all his players, he gets to know each player on a personal level.

“The boys want to go out and really do a job for him as well as themselves, it makes me want to always be as my best.”

Lee Radford delighted to sign Mahe Fonua

Radford, who has succeeded Daryl Powell at the Jungle, said of his latest signing: “I’m pleased for him, I think it will be a breath of fresh air for his career. I’m pleased for Castleford, I think we are getting a good person and a recognisable rugby league face. When he’s on, he is on, and there’s not too many better around when he is.

“Mahe knows the situation, Jordan Turner was arguably Castleford’s best player last season, Jake Mamo got Warrington’s Players Player of the Year, he is under no illusion how difficult it’s going to be. Judging by how he looks at the moment, it looks like he is already knuckling down, ready to go, and in my opinion, right some wrongs and prove a few people wrong.

“He can cover both centre and wing, but I think centre is the position he is wanting to play, again, he is very aware of the challenges in front of him if he wants to nail that spot down. Having that competition can only be a good, healthy thing for the team moving forward.

“I think we have signed some real footy players for 2022, like Kenny (Edwards), Jake and now Mahe, there is some real rugby in there. I think letting them express themselves and add their bits to the squad will be crucial if we are to have some success.”

Super League Castleford Tigers