Clare sticks with Cas in 2021

This will be the Fords’ fleetfooted winger’s 8th season with the club, and speaking about the news to castlefordtigers.com, the decision to remain at his hometown club where he made his debut in 2012, was quite straightforward: “For me this year, it was quite an easy decision to re-sign, I didn’t want to look elsewhere or test the market. I love playing for the Castleford Tigers, so I’m happy to get a deal with them over the line as quickly as possible! I know Daryl (Powell) wanted to keep me as well, so it was a very smooth, simple process getting everything sorted.”

Clare is again proudly sponsored by Geoshield for the coming season and after coming into 2020 on the back of a stellar 15 try 2019 campaign, again made a very strong start to the season, racking up four scores in his first five appearances before lockdown. But a stuttering resumption to the season for an injury riddled Fords’ side saw Clare demonstrate his versatility as he filled in at both fullback and centre as the season drew to a close. Going forward, he was keen to stress that he’s happy to explore any role which will allow him to help the team and play the game he loves:

“I love playing rugby league and I love representing the Tigers as well! If Powelly rang me up on one Saturday and said ‘Look, Sticks, I’m going to have to put you in at prop next week…’ then I’d happily play there and give it my best for the team! We’ve got some outstanding fullback and centre options for next season too, so if I can get in the team ahead of them or filling in for injuries or suspensions, I’ll be happy to take every opportunity as it comes and do my job for the team.”

With the 2021 season approaching, Clare spoke directly to the Cas fans after a tumultuous 2020, but was hopeful to see people back in the stadium for next year:“I’d to say a massive thank you for the support that you did show us during 2020, it was a very difficult year for everybody on and off the field, so we’re thankful for every bit of support from you. I’d hopefully like to go one step further in 2021, we know we’ve got your backing off the field in 2021, and to get you back down at the Mend-A-Hose Jungle would be absolutely amazing!”

Speaking on the re-signing, Head Coach Daryl Powell was pleased to welcome a familiar face back for another year: “Sticks has been our most improved player I think, he has slotted in and been as consistent as ever. He just works so hard on his game, he is so committed to what he does and one of the players who works the hardest and is reaping the rewards. I’m delighted to see him sign this extension, I’m looking forward to working with him and seeing how far he can improve and grow as a player.”

Meanwhile Director of Rugby at Castleford Tigers Jon Wells was happy to see a player’s hard work over a number of years rewarded: “Sticks is one of the most valued members of our squad. He has earned this deal the hard way; he’s been asked to play in a number of different positions, has not had the luxury of certainty that some players enjoy and every step of the way he’s applied himself, made the best of himself and I know he’s working now to better himself further. I’m genuinely delighted for him.”