The director of rugby has overseen an overhaul of the squad for Ryan Carr’s first season at the helm, with prop Jimmy Beckett recently becoming the 12th new signing.
Castleford are now targeting one final addition to their backline after leaving the number 23 vacant.
“We’re hopeful we can bring someone else in over the coming weeks,” said Chester.
“We feel we’re an outside back short. Jimmy Beckett came out of the blue. That was one we jumped at because he’s a great kid. He’ll play a fair few games for us this year.
“We picked up a middle there and need another outside back. I think we’ve got the wing covered so it’ll probably be a centre.
“We’ve got a quota spot and cap space available. We’ll see what pops up, whether it’s the NRL or Super League.”
Nine of the new recruits are set to pull on a Castleford shirt for the first time in Saturday’s friendly against St Helens.
Zac Cini misses out, however, after being left in a race against time to be fit for round one of Super League.
“He picked up a niggle before we broke up for Christmas,” said Chester. “He’s touch-and-go for the first game.”
Castleford begin the campaign with fresh optimism under Carr, a coach backed by Chester to breathe life into a struggling side.
The Australian’s influence is already being felt throughout the club and beyond.
“He’s had a bigger impact than I first imagined,” said Chester. “The detail that goes into each session has been unbelievable.
“I’ve been blown away by the impact he’s had on and off the field. He’s brought everyone together. We’ve done a lot of things away from the club as families.
“He’s had a massive buy-in from everyone and there’s a real feel-good factor. I think everyone can see what we’re trying to do here. We want the Castleford people to really get behind us. They will genuinely make a difference.
“We’re a new club and there’s certainly a new feel. I’m looking forward to seeing the Castleford Tigers of 2026.”
Discussion about this post