Castleford Tigers director of rugby Chris Chester has made a strong claim that his side will be competing for the play-offs in 2026 with the recruitment he is bringing in for next season. He also discussed the emerging reports this week that an NRL duo could link up with the squad.
Chester took questions from the media in his weekly press conference, ahead of his side’s home derby against Leeds Rhinos on Saturday afternoon.
The Tigers have been heavily talked about on the recruitment front this week, with both sides of the world linking players to join them next year.
One of the players linked to the club is St George Illawarra Dragons winger, Mikaele Ravalawa, who is currently out on loan at South Sydney Rabbitohs.
The Fijian international has only played three NRL games this season, after suffering a hamstring injury in April. Head coach Shane Flanagan is looking to offload some of his current squad to create cap space, and whilst Ravalawa is under contract for 2026, he is set to be one of the players the Dragons move on.
Asked about the potential signing, Chester noted he’d seen the reports of the Fijian, but avoided any mention of a deal.
He said: “I think the last time I looked, I think Ravalawa was on about half a million dollars a year but we’ve been linked to a lot of players, and I suppose that’s good. It’s good publicity for us.”
Chester refused to confirm or deny any particular signings, but made a statement claim that if his side weren’t at the very least competing for playoffs next year, he would be concerned.
“I’m confident the squad that we’ve put together for 2026 is going to be competing next year and if we’re not in and around that six with the squad we’ve put together, then I’d be very, very disappointed, and it’d be my job that’d be at risk.
“I think that I’ve put a squad together that’s more than capable next year of being in and around that top six. We’ve brought some good, young, hungry English guys and some real top-quality Aussie talent.
“I’m excited, and I know the preferred candidate that we’ve got, he’s excited as well about working with the squad that we’ve put together.”
Castleford Tigers also in offer for NRL fullback
Canterbury Bulldogs outside back Blake Taaffe is a player reported to be part of Chester’s squad in 2026.
The Daily Telegraph are reporting that Taaffe has signed a multi-year deal with the club, and will strengthen the current back options at the club.
Off contract at the end of the season, the 26-year-old could join Newcastle Knights prop Brock Greacen, who is already confirmed to be at the OneBore Stadium next year.
Taaffe has only made 13 NRL appearances, but could be another talent that adapts to Super League better than the NRL and becomes a star of the competition.
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