Edwards arrives at Cas for 2022

The New Zealander began his professional career in the NRL with Parramatta Eels where he spent five years before coming to Super League at Catalans Dragons and most recently the Huddersfield Giants.

Known for his tenaciousness in the second-row along with his ability to offload the ball skilfully, the 32-year-old will be looking to bring some extra bite to the forward pack next season.

Speaking to castlefordtigers.com, Edwards explained just how pleased he is to be linking up with the Fords as part of their new era in 2022.

“I can’t wait, and it is amazing for me. I spoke to Radders back earlier in the year, and to finally get it done, I am over the moon!

“I am good mates with Suaia Matagi and Jordan Turner who I was with at Huddersfield last year. I was speaking to Suaia because he started at Castleford in the pre-season and from the get-go said how professional it was. He loved the pre-season and I actually started to get a little jealous.

“The way he and Jordan have sort of turned their careers around while being there. JT has turned into one of the best wingers in the competition this year. The style of footy that Castleford plays, I really think it is going to suit me.”

When asked about the opportunity to work under the new Cas Head Coach, Lee Radford, the forward revealed that Radford had been interested in getting his signature earlier in his career and that he is delighted to be getting the chance to play for him now.

“When I first left Australia and was heading this way, my good mate Bureta Faraimo who was at Hull FC with Radders gave me a call and said they were keen to get me. At the time I had my heart set on Catalans Dragons, but I have had a bit of history with Radders in the past.

“I have spoken to players who have played under Radders and I know the way he likes to coach. Speaking to Radders a little earlier on in the year and when he was pitching for me to come to Castleford, everything he said pretty much summed me up as a player. He has been able to win a couple of Challenge Cups with Hull FC and to be able to start working with him, I can’t wait.”

Edwards is no stranger to what it is like to run out on the field at Wheldon Road, having played against the Tigers on a couple of occasions whilst representing the Catalans Dragons. Now he is relishing the thought of having that backing behind him when he goes out onto the field in Cas colours.

“It is an unreal atmosphere because the fans are so close, and the fans are such a passionate group. I speak to players who have played there over the last couple of years, and they say it is second to none.

“As a player who has played there, they don’t shut up for 80 minutes and I can’t wait for my first home game at The Jungle. I’m going to be on the other side, running out with a Cas shirt on knowing that they are behind me.”

“I wish I could start pre-season next week and when the season starts next year, hopefully, we can be all guns blazing.”

Castleford Tigers Head Coach from the 2022 season Lee Radford shared his delight at getting Edwards into his squad for next year saying: “I am so excited about working with Kenny, I’ve actually tried signing him on a couple of occasions, so to get to work with him now, I’m buzzing.

“I love the energy he brings on a matchday, he always plays on the edge of right and wrong and has a fantastic skillset for a back-row player.

“I am sure Kenny will be a great addition to an already strong left edge.”