McLelland comes back to Cas

A proud product of the Tigers youth system, McLelland joined Castleford at the age of 14 from local amateur side Lock Lane and worked his way through the Scholarship and Academy programmes at the Tigers and starred for England Youth at both Under 16 and Under 18 levels.

In 2017, McLelland made the switch to Scottish Rugby Union and gained eight caps for Scotland U20’s before joining Leeds Rhinos in August 2018 and made his long-awaited Super League debut against Castleford in 2019.

After four years away from Wheldon Road, the 22-year-old halfback is overjoyed to be returning to the Club he has cheered on since he was a boy.

“I’m ecstatic, this is something that I’ve been speaking about for quite a long time – how I’d always like to come back – and it’s happened sooner than I would have thought but I’m glad for it,” McLelland told castlefordtigers.com

“I played two minutes down the road at Lock Lane, always had a season ticket from being the age of about eight, stood in the Wheldon Road end singing all the songs!

“I always dreamed of playing for Cas and last time I was here I, unfortunately, didn’t end up playing a Super League game but now I’m hoping to kick on and play here for the next couple of years.”

During his time at Leeds, McLelland made sixteen appearances for the Rhinos and also spent time with Featherstone Rovers on dual-registration, being part of their push to the Million Pound Game in 2019, working hard on his development as a young player.

“I think I’ve become a lot more mature as a player, a lot more patient, loads of different tasks have been thrown at me on the field, off the field. I feel like I’ve matured a lot and hopefully that shows when I’m playing.”

In 2022, Castleford Tigers begin a new era with Lee Radford as Head Coach and several new faces are being welcomed into the Club.

Being a part of this new chapter of the Tigers is something that McLelland is excited about.

“I’m really looking forward to it, I’ve met Lee a couple of times now and he seems a real good bloke. His record speaks for itself with the two Challenge Cups, and he's always been up there with Hull FC."

Returning to play at Wheldon Road will be an incredibly special moment for Callum McLelland who cannot wait to run out in front of the Fords faithful.

“I can’t wait, I’ve come and experienced a couple of times not playing, and the atmosphere – you can’t replicate it, and I think that is echoed around Super League.

“Whichever club you ask this is one of the hardest away grounds to come to and win, we want to try and make this place a fortress next year.”

Head Coach of Castleford Tigers Lee Radford commented on the news of McLelland joining his 2022 squad and said: “I’m delighted to welcome Callum back to the Tigers, he’s a young, energetic halfback who sadly this year has suffered a couple of injury setbacks.

“Alongside Danny Richardson, Gareth O’Brien, and Jake Trueman, he adds further competition to our halves.

“At just 22 as well I’m thrilled to get a signing of his quality over the line, and he is a signing we have made with the future also in mind. I’m looking forward to coaching Callum."

Join Callum at The Jungle with a 2022 Castleford Tigers official Membership! Available online NOW at castlefordtigers.com/tickets