Westerman fee to support new stadium

Castleford chief executive Richard Wright says the six-figure fee received from Hull for Joe Westerman will be invested in to the club’s planning application for a new stadium.

Westerman, 20, has signed a four-year contract at the KC Stadium after Castleford opted to cash in on their prized asset, after it became clear he would not be signing a contract extension with the Tigers beyond 2011.

Wright said: “Last year we turned down a similar deal for Michael Shenton and we saw him take an offer he couldn’t refuse from St Helens when he came out of contract this year with no fee payable.

“When we received interest from Hull FC we discussed the possibility of an extension to Joe’s contract with his agent but it was clear he wanted to move on and was no longer 100% committed to Castleford Tigers.

“The new Stadium is the key to the club’s future and the fees will be used to submit the detailed planning application.

“The fact clubs have offered six-figure fees for two of our home grown players in the last couple of years shows that our youth system is producing quality players. Our youth system is the envy of many in Super League.

“I’d personally like to thank Joe for his efforts and wish him all the very best of luck for the future.”