Castleford Tigers can confirm the retirement of Paul McShane from Full Time Rugby League at the end of the 2024 season.

The 34-year-old joined the Tigers from Wakefield in 2015 and quickly became a fan favourite for the Tigers Faithful. Paul was a crucial part of the memorable 2017 Tigers side that won the League Leaders Shield.

Paul’s quality on the field was rewarded in 2020 when he became the fifth Castleford player to win the Man of Steel award. The following year, Paul made his international debut for England in 2021, an accolade himself and the club were extremely proud of.

The Tigers skipper wanted to make the following statement on his retirement:

“I’ve absolutely loved the past nine years; it’s probably got the best out of me as a rugby player. It’s a club where I’ve become a man. I’ve brought my kids into the world at Cas and that’s all my kids do here is play rugby. My kids love it here and are Cas fans through and through.”

“It’ll be really hard; I’ve always spoken about how playing in front of the Cas fans at Wheldon road is something special and that’s been motivating me throughout my career and made me want to do my best every time I stepped out there. Doing it this one last time on Friday, it’ll be a tough one but something I’ll remember.”

“I haven’t hidden it, the club made me the player that I am today and the person that I am. It’s something that I’ll be grateful for, and I find myself counting my lucky stars every day that I get to end it on my terms.”

“There’s been some great communication between myself and the club, there’s so much mutual respect there. As a player there is no better way than finishing how we are and how I am. I’m just now looking forward to the night on Friday.”

We also caught up with Head of Rugby Operations Danny Wilson on the departure of Paul:

“Firstly, I just want to wish Paul McShane well in his departure from the Tigers, there’s not many players that are able to go out on their terms and I’m pleased Paul is able to do that. He has been a great servant to Cas and rugby league in general, he has hit the heights of international rugby. “

“He has had some great accolades including the Man of Steel, that’s the greatest accolade a rugby player can achieve. For him to be able to step back now and reassess the next chapter in his life and decide what is right for him and his family I’m really pleased for Paul and how he is able to make that decision I’m sure it was a difficult one to make but probably the right one to make for him.”

“It also gives the opportunity for the club to progress and move on. I think what Paul has given Cas fans over the time he has been here has been quality and had a lot of excitement and I’m sure he’s going to do that till the end of the year but no more so than Friday night at the Jungle for his farewell home game.”

Everyone at the club would like to thank Paul for his commitment and service to the Tigers over the past nine years and we wish him the very best in his future endeavours.