Wilson on recent recruitment

The past couple of weeks have been a busy period for the Tigers in terms of player recruitment with a total of four new signings coming through the door recently.

Greek international prop Billy Tsikrikas and the return of Alex Foster were announced on loan before the permanent arrivals of Papua New Guinea international Liam Horne and Lebanese flyer Charbel Tasipale.

To talk through the process, Castleford’s Director of Rugby Operations Danny Wilson sat down with castlefordtigers.com to chat about the recent new faces, how they are settling in, and if there is a possibility of any more incomings before the transfer deadline.

Wilson began by speaking in detail on how he and the rest of the recruitment team have been working round the clock in order to bring in targets that would improve the Fords’ squad.

“It’s been a testing period on a few levels because we’ve been working hard since March, April time really. We’ve spoken to about 70 players over that time whether that be overseas or domestically.

“It’s challenging because there are a few things that go into it. First and foremost, you have to identify that talent and we’ve got some good agents in this country and abroad. Overseas we have a couple of good guys who work with us, and I’d like to give a mention to Josh who works over in Australia who works tirelessly. The time difference is difficult because I’ll be up all night speaking to him and the next day when it’s my working day he’ll be up all night.

“That process of identifying players is important to make sure the players fit what we want. Then it’s about agreeing the finances and making sure everything is right and then it’s getting the release from the clubs they are at. Another aspect to consider is the player being eligible for a visa which is tricky when targeting the overseas market, however, the World Cup last year helped us with international appearances being part of the criteria.  

“We had a really exciting player lined up and we were excited about him coming over. We’d gone through that process and agreed terms but then his club wouldn’t release him. That was a hard one to take because that was after about two weeks of negotiations.

“Being patient is important because you can make decisions that are not quite right and can have an adverse effect. You can take away from the group by adding people that are not quite right.

“You get a lot of players thrown at you so you have to do your due diligence with that, and we have done the best we can.”

Tsikrikas came off the bench at Hull KR to make his Castleford debut after making the switch from NRL side Canterbury Bulldogs and Foster marked his return to the club by running out against the Robins.

Both Horne and Tasipale will be in line to make their maiden Tigers appearances against Huddersfield after arriving in the country last week and Wilson outlined that they have settled in nicely as they aim to make an immediate impact.

“I think we’ve brought some really good players in recently and we are really excited to see how they contribute to the team. They are loving Castleford, and they are buzzing to come and give something to the fans. They are really excited to prove themselves.

“We are really happy with them as people, and you can see that they want to be here. We were disappointed that we couldn’t get all of them involved in the Hull KR game. This week all of them will be involved.

“Liam really seems like a bit of a dynamo and with Charbel, I hope his playing ability reflects his ability to grow a moustache! They are all really keen to get involved with all departments at the club and that matters because we want people to go above and beyond for the club.  

“They have to make that instant impact and they understand that. It’s been a big week of training because everyone understands where we are and the gravity of the task ahead. I’m confident the new boys will make a difference because they are here to fight.”

“Having Fozzy back has been great and he’s really excited to be here. Half the battle is to have people who are here for the right reasons and to battle hard for Castleford because the other tactical things will come off the back of that, Fozzy is a testament to that. He loves being here and coming to work every day.”

Over the duration of the 2023 campaign, the average age of Castleford’s squad has decreased and with the acquisitions of 23-year-old Tasipale and 26-year-old Horne that is likely to drop further.

When asked about the makeup of the Tigers’ pack, Wilson affirmed that bringing down the average age is something that he is keen to be proactive about going into next season.

“It’s important for a few reasons. It brings a different energy and a different motivation to kick us on. From an age point of view lowering that was our plan going into next year to reduce the age profile and to have players that come in and are hungry to achieve.

“There have been some great players here that have achieved with Castleford and served the club with distinction. Sometimes it does need freshening up and we’re doing that with our recruitment for next year. Younger players can handle that bit more load and train double days. The more training you get the better you can be so that’s what those young lads can do now.”

After the Tigers’ upcoming home game against Huddersfield, the First Team will not be in action until the 18th of August when they travel to take on neighbours Wakefield.

Touching on the break, the Fords’ Director of Rugby Operations outlined that the time will be used to recover before a big push in the week building up to the Trinity fixture.

“We’ve got a great medical department who do a lot of monitoring and data collection on the players and when players have significant training and playing loads which ours has been, these boys need a little bit of rest and recovery.

“Some of the boys who are that bit older or need that bit of a rest will have some time away and some of the others, like the new lads who have come in, will come in for some extra training sessions.

“They went right through the Challenge Cup semi-final week and had another big week this week. Their loads will continue to be measured to make sure they get that rest. Sometimes we forget that because they are sportsmen, they have families and kids who go through that battle as well.

“We will measure everything right so they can come back with their tanks full because they will be going into a double training week doing morning and afternoon sessions.”

In closing, Wilson conveyed that the club will continue to monitor the market ahead of Friday’s transfer deadline.

“We are near enough done but we do have a space now to do something if we thought it was right. It was really important for Albie to get that game time because he’ll be someone who is with us in the future so that will help his development.

“It frees up a quota spot if we wanted to fill it and when you’ve spoken to as many players as we have, you always have someone on your list. We are still speaking to a couple of players, and we’ll see what materialises over the next few days.”