Wright frustrated by Ellis snub

Castleford chief executive Richard Wright says that while the club is frustrated by missing out on Gareth Ellis, they won’t be drawn in to spending beyond their means.

England international back-rower Ellis will return to Super League with Hull next season, having previously stated a desire to play for his hometown club, but the Tigers couldn’t offer a suitable package to bring the former Leeds and Wakefield man to the PROBIZ Coliseum.

Wright was speaking on the day that news of Bradford’s financial plight was revealed, with the Bulls needing to raise £1m in funds to secure the club’s future.

He said: “Bradford have highlighted the lack of a wealthy benefactor as the main reason for their plight. We at Castleford are forever indebted to our chairman Jack Fulton and his son Ian for their financial support without which our club would have faced a similar plight on many occasions. 

“That said, Jack and Ian are not in a position, nor do we expect it of them, to bankroll the club beyond its means.

“I share all of your frustrations at the club’s present position at the foot of the table and at being overlooked by Gareth Ellis. At the end of the day, we are not in a position to match the salary that Hull offered him and fair play to Gareth there.

“It is very sad and in many ways very disappointing to hear of the financial difficulties the Bulls face and I wish everyone concerned over at Odsal our very best wishes in their bid to survive. It would be a tragedy for the game to lose any professional club, never mind one of such tradition and history.”

Castleford fought off a number of suitors to keep hold of playmaker Rangi Chase in the close season, but they have managed just one win so far under new coach Ian Millward, in the opening round against Salford.