Chris Chester has teased major signings for Castleford Tigers, admitting he can’t wait for the current season to end after his side suffered a fifth consecutive defeat – this time against Leigh Leopards.
The Tigers’ director of rugby and interim head coach says he’s been blown away by the club’s incoming transfer activity, with the squad set for a significant overhaul at the end of the season.
Lachlan Lam played a central role in Leigh’s 46-6 triumph, providing three assists alongside his own score against a Castleford outfit desperate to end the campaign and welcome incoming coach Ryan Carr.
“I can’t wait – and I’m pretty sure the fans can’t wait for this season to end,” said Chester.
“I said this week, these next four weeks are a dress rehearsal. Ryan Carr would have been watching, and he knows he’s got a big job to turn things around.
“I’ll speak to Ryan on Friday morning about what needs to change and I think it’s pretty obvious. The mindset of this group – ‘They’ve always done this, they’ve always done that’ – well, look at what that’s got us.
“I’m not just talking about players on the field, I’m talking off it as well. It’s sad where we’re at as a club.
“We want people at this club that are willing to fight and willing to put everything in and want to compete every single day. That’s players, and staff.
“We need to be a lot harder on ourselves as individuals, and I know Martin [Jepson] and the rest of the guys are fully focused on 2026 and there’s genuine excitement.”
Chester revealed that the club are set for a major transfer announcement on Friday, having already confirmed the signing of Blake Taaffe from Canterbury Bulldogs on a three-year deal.
“I’m excited. I just want a squad of men, and a squad that is willing to fight and I know that’s what Ryan Carr wants, and I know he’ll bring the best out of that group of players for 2026,” Chester added.
“We’re in a tough spot but I’m positive because I know the players we’ve signed and we’re going to announce. I’m very optimistic that we will be there or thereabouts in 2026.
“We’ve got a number of players that we will announce, and some that we can’t yet out of respect for the other clubs, certainly in the UK.
“It’s blown my mind that we’ve been able to attract the quality that we have, that’s all I’ll say.”