News

Posted: Tuesday 19th April 2022

Qareqare signs extension with Cas

Castleford Tigers are thrilled to confirm that 18-year-old Jason Qareqare has signed a two-year contract extension with the club, keeping him at Wheldon Road until the end of the 2024 season.

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Castleford Tigers are thrilled to confirm that 18-year-old Jason Qareqare has signed a two-year contract extension with the club, keeping him at Wheldon Road until the end of the 2024 season.

A proud product of the Tigers youth system, the Fijian-born outside back has been with the Tigers since he was 15 years old after joining our Scholarship programme from local community club Kippax Welfare. Jason continued his development with our Academy system before making his senior debut last June against Hull FC.

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In one of Betfred Super League’s most memorable debuts, Qareqare burst onto the scene scoring a remarkable try with his first touch of the ball just 44 seconds into his maiden senior game. The fullback/winger has notched on a further three senior appearances now, but he also featured in Yorkshire Academy’s Origin victory over Lancashire, scoring again early in that fixture too.

Widely considered as one of the most promising prospects in the sport, Jason Qareqare has now committed the next two years to the Tigers, a club where he feels very much at home.

“I’ve been here at Cas with the Scholarship, Academy and made my way into the First Team, it’s been home ever since I was a young boy, it’s just been my place that I’ve always wanted to be and being in First Team is a great feeling.

“I think the environment that’s been built here, there are some firm foundations that Cas believe in, and we train with them as well. Everyone, the players, and the coaching staff are all welcoming ever since I came with Scholarship, everything here is all-round great.”

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Jason is in his final academic year with Queen Ethelburga's Collegiate, who have been nothing but supportive of his endeavours to become a Super League player.

“Hats off to them, I think they have really helped me with my academics with me being not in school as often. Everyone there, the teachers, the coaching staff, they have all been supportive and I’ve enjoyed every minute I’ve been at school. I could not praise them more for what they’ve done for me.”

Jason’s unforgettable debut saw him play on the wing, a position he has played in this year with our Reserves side at times such as against Huddersfield Giants Reserves where he scored a hat-trick inside 20 minutes. But the 18-year-old has also been plying his trade at fullback and learning from an England international.

“I’m happy to play in both positions, any game time is game time, and with me playing fullback too I can try increase my expertise on the field.

“Niall Evalds has really helped me during the pre-season, getting to grips with First Team pace and skill he has helped me a lot, as has Greg Eden and all the other wingers as well who have helped me to become the player I am.”

Lee Radford:

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In closing, Jason wanted to say a thank you to his player sponsor, and long-term club partners Anthony Higgins Transport for their support.

“I’ve known Adele (Higgins) ever since I was really young, I used to play with their son Aiden and they have been really supportive of me, especially this past year and I couldn’t thank them enough for what they have done for me.”

Castleford Tigers Head Coach Lee Radford shared his delight about the news saying: “I am really pleased for both Jason and the Tigers that he has extended to stay with us at the club. With his athleticism and age, I think there is real scope to develop Jason as a player, and we are very excited to develop him on his journey to see him achieve his full potential.”