Castleford Tigers have secured a “revolutionary” partnership with NRL club Manly Sea Eagles in a move that will see the two clubs work together to aid the progress of both clubs.
The partnership, which has been confirmed by Manly chairman Scott Penn, will see the two clubs work together to enhance their respective pathways, as well as open up opportunities beyond.
Speaking to the Daily Telegraph, Penn outlined how the partnership would help Manly attract young talent from the UK.
“It’s about trying to attract the best youngsters from the UK. Castleford are creating great talent, kids who are potentially looking for an alternative pathway.
“A lot of their best juniors get poached by some of the bigger Super League clubs. I think we can do some pretty special things by setting up an exclusive pathway to the NRL.”
That, Rugby League Live has learned, could see the Castleford Academy head to Australia in alternate years, which the Tigers hope will act as an incentive when young players are deciding which club to sign for in future years. The Tigers have found it difficult to regularly secure the top local talent in recent times, with many opting to join the likes of Leeds Rhinos and Wigan Warriors.
Opening up pathways could see them head to Australia, but it also gives the Tigers a better chance of recruiting them in the first place, and likewise, Manly could send players of their own to Castleford to enhance their own development.
Beyond that, the partnership could open doors for the Tigers to players they otherwise may not be able to sign. While nothing is believed to be set in stone, there is potential for Manly to send players to Castleford, which will then help the team at first-team level.
And beyond that, the link-up will help strengthen the club’s contacts in Australia, which could assist with recruitment in years to come. The Tigers, of course, have links to Manly through the likes of Malcolm Reilly, Kevin Ward and most recently, Bailey Hodgson.
