Willis wanting to end season on a high

Castleford Tigers’ Academy side round off their 2022 season with a home contest against Newcastle Thunder at The Mend-A-Hose Jungle on Wednesday night.

Our Academy will be looking to finish their 2022 on a high and would have taken many positives despite defeat last time out against Wigan during what was a battling display. The youngsters will also take heart from their last outing against Thunder, having dismantled the side from the northeast to earn an impressive 58-10 victory away from home.

To look ahead to what should be a fantastic night of action, castlefordtigers.com sat down with young forward Aaron Willis to talk about all things Academy so far this term.

Willis has also represented the Fords at Reserves level this year, most recently starting as part of the side who produced a standout display to dominate Hull KR at home by 58 points to 6 last weekend.

Reflecting on the win over the Robins, Willis put forward that there is a real positive energy within the Reserves and Academy squad heading into their final fixtures of 2022.

“It was great out there to get the win. Everyone is getting around each other and there is a lot of good energy in the squad. We want to carry that on in the final games of the season for the Academy and the Reserves.”

The Prop lined up with the likes of Sam Hall and Cain Robb who have a substantial amount of First Team experience between them, and Willis affirmed that being able to learn off the more senior players has helped him grow.

“It’s been amazing to learn off more senior players who have played at First Team level like Cain Robb and Sam Hall. It’s good to be able to look at how they play and look at what they do right to be able to take a leaf out of their book.

“The senior lads always pick up on where you can improve which is good because it is constructive criticism, but they will congratulate you if you do good stuff.”

Rugbytots proudly sponsor Aaron, and he outlined just how important having the support of a sponsor is for young players like him

“The support I get from them is really good because to have someone backing you is always a good feeling. I am really thankful for their support of me.”

The young Tigers’ final game of the campaign sees them take on Newcastle for the second time this season, with Willis himself grabbing a try during their maiden meeting in an emphatic victory back in June.

In closing, Aaron explained that he and the rest of the squad have their sights set on finishing their campaign on a positive note.

“We really want to finish this year positively because the results haven’t always gone our way but as a group, we have learned a lot and our performances have definitely improved.

“Playing at The Jungle is always something I love doing so to be able to play here so often this year has been great.”

Make sure to get yourself down to Wheldon Road for a 7pm kick-off and don’t forget that Tigers Members get entry to this fixture for FREE as do Under 16's, otherwise, it is just £5 entry. Car parking is available at the stadium too priced at just £2.