Castleford sign Hull KR utility with immediate effect

Castleford have signed young utility back Will Tate from fellow Super League club Hull KR on a two-and-a-half-year deal with immediate effect.

The 21-year-old, who can play centre, wing or full-back, has made 16 appearances for Hull KR since making his first team debut in 2021.

Tate has also enjoyed time on loan at Rochdale, Workington and Dewsbury in the lower divisions.

Tate said: “I’m absolutely delighted to get the deal done. I think it’s a great opportunity for me and I really like the direction the club seems to be going in so I’m really looking forward to it.

“I’m good friends with Luis Johnson so I’ll be following him over. I played with Muizz Mustapha, Albert Vete and a few other lads from a few years back at Rovers so I’m excited to link back up with them and spend more time with them.

“You can expect 100% effort every week. All players make errors but I always back my work rate over anyone else. I’m one who will turn up and do the tough stuff if necessary.

“I’m really excited to play in front of the Cas fans. Everyone knows that The Jungle is a tough place to go as an away player so I’m excited to have that support from them.”

Will Tate a replacement for Jake Mamo

Tigers interim coach Andy Last says the recent additions of Tate and Luis Johnson (loan) act as replacements for outside-back Jake Mamo, who retired from the sport earlier this year.

Last said: “He’s a good addition to the squad. With Jake Mamo retiring we had a little bit more room with the salary cap to make some additions and Luis and Will are two players that have got youth on their side and lots of first team experience. They’re good signings for the long-term future of Castleford Tigers.

“The youth department know Will very well from our time at Hull and the City of Hull Academy. He was a player that we identified who we wanted to sign for Hull FC.

“Hull KR picked him up and he made his way into the first team side at Rovers. He played first team games in 2020 and in the semi-final against Catalans Dragons in the play-offs.

“He’s someone who is versatile. He can play centre and he’s also an accomplished full back. He fits a good position for us in the sense that he can cover numerous positions.

“The guys at Hull KR didn’t want to lose him and he’s someone we’re looking forward to having with us at Castleford.”

Tate played rugby union for Scunthorpe as a youngster before switching codes with Cottingham Tigers and Skirlaugh at youth level. He then signed for the City of Hull Academy before progressing through the Hull KR ranks.

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