Daniel Smith pens extension for 2021

The 27-year old joined during the 2019 season from Huddersfield Giants and has loved his time with his hometown club, featuring 29 times whilst embedding himself well in the forward pack. A strong runner who is also a skilful ball handling player, he will continue to develop with Castleford in 2021.

Speaking about the news Smith told to castlefordtigers.com: “I’m over the moon really, it’s been a mad year with COVID so it was pleasing to get it over the line and get everything sorted so I am really looking forward to next year.

“I’m enjoying my rugby again, I don’t think I was enjoying as much as I should have been when I was at Huddersfield, whether that’s because it’s my home town club that I’m playing for now makes it a bit more special. I’m really enjoying my time with Cas and I’m really glad that I signed this extension.”

Proudly sponsored by Mary Clifford, Smith started the season strongly featuring in all seven of the Fords’ first matches before the suspension of the Super League season but following the restart in August he suffered a setback with a pectoral injury sustained against Wigan.

“I did a conditioning programme with our strength and conditioning team because I mentioned that I was a bit off the pace against Wigan, so I wanted to make sure that I came back and I was really at my best, I thought I did that really. I had four weeks with the conditioning team, and they got me up to speed and I really thought I was getting back to my best.”

Already looking forward to the 2021 season, with the hopeful return of supporters at matches, Smith added: “I can’t wait, it’s a big bonus when you have the fans down at Wheldon Road and they do give you that extra spur on. Hopefully, that comes back before the season starts and then we can enjoy some wins together.”

Head Coach Daryl Powell is pleased with retaining the services of Smith and said: “I’m delighted that Dan is staying at the club. For me, he is a similar sort of player with the ball to Grant Millington, in that he can use the ball well because he has got good skills.

“We’re working hard with him to make him a little bit more durable and I’m pleased we will keep working with him, I think we are going to see the best out of him.”

Castleford Tigers Director of Rugby Jon Wells commented on the contract extension saying: “We are really pleased that Dan goes around again with us in 2021. It is a big year for him; I think he’s shown more than enough to justify another deal, and this gives Dan the time to move to that next level.

“He is a big, skilful player who for me has yet to realise how good he really can be; this is now Dan’s opportunity to take.“