Paul McShane will be allowed to leave Castleford Tigers should an approach be made from Australia. McShane has long been linked with a move to the NRL and a Yorkshire Live report last week suggested the hooker was actively looking to bring an end to his playing days Down Under.
The 34-year-old has been with Castleford since 2015, with spells coming at Wakefield Trinity and Leeds Rhinos before then. He’s made 216 appearances for the club in that time, with this season coming in what is a testimonial year for McShane.
Unfortunately, his game time has been limited over the last 12 months with McShane being fit enough to feature in just seven games this season. However, it seems this year could be his last at Wheldon Road, with head coach Craig Lingard confirming he will be allowed to leave and move to Australia, should he have the option to do so.
“It’s been well publicised recently that Macca is exploring his opportunities to go over to Australia and play over there for a couple of seasons,” Lingard said.
“We’re happy to support that and are still working on that together now.
“At the minute, he’s still contracted to us for next season but if anything concrete materialises in the meantime, Macca will be going over to Australia.
“If he stays, brilliant and if he doesn’t and gets to experience that lifestyle in Australia which I believe he’s been wanting to do for a while, he’s earnt that reward to do that with his family.”
A former Man of Steel, McShane led Castleford to the Super League Grand Final in 2017, while he has also managed to win three caps for England, with his last international run out coming against the Combined Nations All Stars in 2022.
He still has a year left to run on his Castleford contract.
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