Castleford Tigers’ Take Stance As Loan Opportunity Arises

Connor is available on loan in what is an interesting mid-season development.

The development of Jake Connor being on the loan market will not have gone unnoticed by Super League clubs, including Castleford Tigers. The West Yorkshire club has made a habit of dipping into the loan market this year, with Matty English being the latest arrival on a short-term move.

Connor, also from Huddersfield Giants like English, appears available for a short-term move too, with Ian Watson confirming the fullback will “have a little look” at his options after a report from Love Rugby League that he had been offered to clubs.

Castleford would appear to be one of the more likely suitors, given their willingness to explore the loan market this year. Coach Craig Lingard was asked about the prospect of signing Connor in his weekly press conference.

“Not at the moment,” Lingard said. “Whether we’ve got the budget to do any more business, whether it’s Jake or anybody else at this stage, we’ll have a meeting after this today. The staff have done a mid-season review, we’ve had one with the team and we’re going to have a wider club review now. I imagine we’ll have a conversation, and hopefully, there’s a little bit left in there in case someone becomes available and we might be able to strengthen.

“I’ve said before, the market in the UK for players off-contract for next season is minimal, so as much as we’re saying we’re going to go out and bring some players in, we might have to look further afield and overseas because the market over here is pretty much done and dusted. So unless someone falls out of favour or another team strengthens that makes another available under contract, we’re going to be struggling with the UK market.”