Super Jack settled in at The Jungle

Jack Broadbent has certainly made an impression on the field in a short space of time since joining the Tigers for 2023 with his blistering pace getting supporters off their feet on many occasions already this campaign.

The exciting young back has also displayed his adaptability in a Castleford shirt, playing centre, full-back, and wing over the past few months and it is clear to see from his celebrations after Cas’ victory over Leeds, the 22-year-old has taken his new club to heart.

Jack took time out of his training schedule to speak to castlefordtigers.com to talk all things rugby league and his life outside of the sport.

Broadbent began by explaining that his family aren’t the most avid followers of rugby as he reflected on his early days with amateur side Batley Boys.

“My family have always been sporty but they are more into football so I started off playing that but I was probably bigger than everyone else so people said to go and try rugby. I think I was eight at the time when I started at Batley Boys.

“They actually put me in the older age group because they thought I was too big. That’s how it all started really; I was too big to play football so started playing rugby league. I was never good enough to make it playing football though!

“I played a bit of cricket as well, but rugby was always the one I liked the most.”

After representing Batley Boys for a number of years, Jack went on to play for Dewsbury Moor who have a proud history of producing Super League talent.

Broadbent revealed that he ran out alongside a fellow Tiger as well as an NRL superstar as juniors.

“I was at Batley Boys from under 8s to under 14s before I went to Dewsbury Moor. I’m still good mates with who I used to play with and the coaches as well. I actually played with Brad Martin back in Dewsbury Moor as well as Dom Young who’s killing it in the NRL right now.

“Dan Winter was probably the most influential coach I had as a kid at Batley Boys and Niall Walker was another one who helped me at the start of my career. I always used to love playing in the BARLA Cup because it was a big occasion for us playing against those Lancashire teams. At those times you are just doing it for the enjoyment with your mates and not a care in the world really.”

Broadbent was picked up by Leeds Rhinos at Scholarship level where he rose through the ranks until making his senior debut in 2019.

Looking back on his time at Headingley, Jack recalls what it was like to be rubbing shoulders with household names at the time he was advancing through the age groups.

“On my scholarship letter, I had Leeds and a few other clubs but Rhinos attracted me educational-wise and obviously ended up spending a bit of time there. It was 2014 or 2015 when I went there which was the year that they won the treble, so they had some big names at the time like Rob Burrow, Jamie Peacock, Danny Maguire and getting to see them around the training ground was surreal.

“I really enjoyed my time coming through there and my debut was against Catalans. I actually played at stand-off and I remember it was raining hard. I was one of six young lads who made their debut and we put up a good fight against a good Catalans side. It was a shame that my debut couldn’t have been in front of a crowd because of Covid, that’s my only regret from my debut.”

Jack cut his teeth in the lower divisions where he was sent out on loan from the Rhinos to gain valuable first-team minutes, something that he states was a huge benefit in how he has developed as a player.

“They were a big part of my development. At the time there was only so much academy rugby could have given me at the time and in my second year of academy I went out on loan to Batley Bulldogs which is the club I grew up supporting.

“To get to play for the team who I supported was a great experience. I feel like it gave me that steppingstone to be where I am now and to be comfortable in playing Super League.”

It was announced in December 2022 that he would be linking up with the Tigers and the youngster has hit the ground running ever since.

Discussing his move to The Jungle, Jack mentioned how he has been welcomed with open arms and gave credit to a familiar face for how he’s managed to settle in so quickly.

“When Cas came in, I saw a really good opportunity to come and be a regular so that was one of the main reasons. It’s been a great fit because there are already a few familiar faces but even the coaching staff and all of the lads create a great environment. Anybody that comes to Cas fits in like a glove because everyone makes you feel welcome, and I am really enjoying it!

“We’ve become even closer now we’re travelling together, and we push each other doing our extras at training. It’s good to have someone like Mels around you to bring the best out of you and to keep each other accountable.

“The change of environment has helped me with the mindset of becoming a Super League regular. Coming to a new club gives you a different perspective on things.”

Jack has also earned international honours having been selected for the England Knights squad on a couple of occasions and scored during both fixtures against Jamaica and Scotland.

The Knights programme has aided a number of players' progress to the full England squad and Broadbent is hoping he can be another to make that step up in the years to come.

“It’s a great thing they’ve got going, it’s a young squad and we are building towards the next World Cup. Some players will obviously progress to the main team and I’m hoping to be one of them. Whether it be this World Cup coming or the next one, I aim to have a future in an England shirt.

“I played in the game against Jamaica at Cas which I really enjoyed and then played Scotland last year. I actually intercepted a Jordan Turner pass for one of my tries in that match at The Jungle!”

Alongside his playing career, Jack is already planning for the future as he has taken up the opportunity of studying a degree at Leeds Beckett University.

When asked about his educational exploits, the 22-year-old put forward that he’s looking to get first-hand experience behind the scenes at the Fords.

“Cas have been really supportive with me doing my studies, so I have to thank them for the support they are giving me. I am doing Sports Marketing degree at Leeds Beckett and I am in my second year. I got a first overall in my first year and everything’s been going well so far in my second.  

“In my final year I might go part-time with it just so the workload is a bit easier. I am really enjoying it and I am going to be doing some work experience at Cas soon which will be good to get an insight into what goes on behind the scenes. It will be good for me to see what it’s like in terms of what I might be going on to do in the future. It’s important to have that balance outside of rugby so it’s good to have that alongside playing.”