Oliver Holmes bids farewell to Castleford after playing last match for hometown club

Holmes, who is joining Warrington on a three-year deal from 2022, has been advised by a spinal specialist to rest for six weeks before having scans and will miss Thursday’s final game of the regular season against the Wolves and any play-off ties.

It therefore brings an end to Holmes’ 12-year service to his hometown club.

Holmes said: “I am heartbroken to end my time at Castleford Tigers like this and to not get one last game at The Jungle with the lads but this is sport, these things happen, and it is what it is.

“I’ve loved my time at Cas and I will be at the game on Thursday night cheering us on for the win. Hopefully, the lads secure the victory, push on in the play-offs and get to that Grand Final.”

End of an era ❤️ 🐯 pic.twitter.com/87IY7hM4tn

— Oliver Holmes (@Oli_Holmes) September 14, 2021

Holmes took to Twitter to make a personal farewell to the Castleford faithful.

He tweeted: “I’ve been at Cas since I was 15 years old when I left school, it’s been my whole entire adult life right up to this month.

“It was a childhood dream to play professional rugby league and to do so at this amazing club has been nothing short of unbelievable.

“I put my heart and soul into it every time I’ve stepped foot on that field with my team-mates and these are the moments I’ll cherish forever.

“From the earlier days of fighting relegation, to playing finals and lifting the League Leaders’ Shield, I feel like I’ve played my part in building something special at the Tigers.

“I want to thank everyone who’s played a role in my time at the club including family, coaches, physios, off-field staff and most importantly my team-mates, who will all be friends for life.

“Finally, to the fans who have been class over these last 14 years, I want to say thank you to you all for the support. I wish you all the very best, and I’ll see you soon.”