Paul McShane is exploring the possibility of ending his career in Australia, with the Castleford Tigers legend appearing likely to leave the club at the end of the season.
Rugby League Live understands McShane, an England international and Man of Steel recipient is pursuing a contract in Australia to see out his playing days, which would see him depart the Tigers at the end of the year.
McShane, 34, has enjoyed a superb career in which he has made over 350 career appearances, playing for the likes of Leeds Rhinos, Wakefield Trinity and the Tigers, where he has been since 2015. A League Leaders’ Shield winner in 2017, he won the Man of Steel in 2020.
He is under contract at Castleford in 2025 but he has expressed an interest in ending his career down under and the Tigers have given him permission to see what options are available for him and his family.
Sources have stressed that the situation is amicable, with Castleford happy for him to chase his dream of playing down under. Both parties would be comfortable in parting ways after ten seasons together. McShane has been an outstanding servant to the club, but injuries have limited him to just 22 appearances since the beginning of 2023, and the emergence of Liam Horne and Cain Robb has provided the Tigers with options moving forward.
As for McShane, playing in Australia has always been an ambition, and he is now seeking opportunities to do just that. An overseas agency are pursuing options for him and they have starting sounding out clubs on opportunities. His brother, Jack, who is a hooker for Hunslet Club Parkside, who his elder brother coaches, is also keen on heading to Australia to play as well. Paul is also pursuing coaching opportunities while down under.
His departure would free up further cap space for the Tigers, who are keen to bolster their squad for 2025 after a promising run of form in recent weeks, which has seen them defeat St Helens and Catalans Dragons, while also running Hull KR and St Helens close.
McShane has made 219 appearances for Castleford since his arrival at the club in 2015, while he played for England in 2021.
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