Castleford Tigers' ex-NRL star Mikaele Ravalawa makes surprise Championship loan move
Castleford Tigers’ former NRL winger Mikaele Ravalawa has joined Championship club Doncaster on long-term loan.
The 28-year-old Fijian international arrived at Tigers in pre-season on a three-year contract, having scored 67 tries in 101 games for St George-Illawarra Dragons and South Sydney Rabbitohs in the southern hemisphere competition. He has suffered injury problems and managed just 10 Betfred Super League appearances for Castleford, touching down four times.
Tigers say the loan move will allow Ravalawa, who featured in last Friday’s 52-14 loss at Wakefield Trinity, to “gain some valuable game time”. However, it will also increase speculation he could be set to leave the club with two years still remaining on his deal.
Dons coach Richard Horne said: “We’re delighted to welcome Ravalawa, a powerful and exciting outside-back, to Doncaster RFL. He’s a player who brings strength, pace and real physicality every time he takes the field.
“He never shies away from the tough carries or big defensive moments. We believe he’ll make a huge impact for us and become a real fan favourite. We’re excited to see what he can achieve in a Doncaster shirt and can’t wait to get him integrated into the squad.”