After a difficult start to the season, Castleford Tigers appear to be finding their groove as the Super League season reaches its mid-point. The Tigers victory over Hull FC was their third win of the season and opened up a five-point gap back to the league’s bottom two sides.
Tigers fans could be forgiven for wondering what could have been, had they pulled off one eye-catching piece of recruitment for 2024. Cronulla Sharks’ Kaylan Iro was heavily linked with a move to the Tigers for the 2024 season. The son of former Wigan Warriors, Leeds Rhinos and St Helens legend, Kevin Iro, appeared set for a move to the Tigers.
However, the move never happened, with Iro junior electing to stay at the Sharks and attempt to break into their first-team squad. That gamble has paid off, with Iro now forming a crucial part of the table-topping Sharks squad.
But with Iro’s contract set to expire at the end of the 2024 season, speculation about where his future lies is beginning to hot up again. Speaking in Australia, Iro has provided a major update on his future.
Castleford Tigers linked man opens up on future
Speaking to Zero Tackle in Australia, Iro has now provided an update on his future. Whilst his preference is to stay with the Sharks, Iro has not yet agreed a new contract. His long-term future remains undecided.
“There’s always that thought there, but at the same time, I wanted to stay at this club, and obviously, I want to be there,” Iro stated.
“I’m a determined person, so when I want something, I want to put my best foot forward to get there. I’m just happy to be here now.”
When asked if his priority was to stay at Cronulla, he explained, “That’s my goal, but footy’s a funny thing sometimes, so you don’t really know when the opportunity comes or what happens,” Iro said.
If Iro does hit the open market, there is sure to be plenty of interest from clubs in Super League.
Iro impressive since breaking into the Sharks team
Cronulla Sharks currently top the NRL ladder, having won nine of their opening 11 games. Iro started the first three games as a replacement. However, he broke into the starting 13 in the Sharks’ round four win over the Canberra Raiders. He has played every minute of every game since, which included an impressive seven-game winning streak.
Iro has scored one try this season, in the victory over the Raiders. He also had two try assists, three line breaks and 31 tackle busts. He averages an impressive 161 running metres per game.
Iro is a Cook Islands international and remains under contract with the Sharks until the end of the 2024 season. This is his breakout year with the club, having impressed in the NSW Cup, representing the Newtown Jets and steering them to the top of the table before breaking into the Sharks first team squad.
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