Castleford Tigers news: 2 more signings confirmed for 2027 as NRL star and Championship ace join up

Tigers have confirmed the signing of St George-Illawarra Dragons full-back or winger Tyrell Sloan on a two-year contract and a similar deal for three-quarter Alfie Johnson from Halifax Panthers. Sloan has scored 53 tries in 80 games for St George in the southern hemisphere NRL and is the third Dragons player heading to Castleford next year, after hooker Damien Cook and winger/centre Mat Feagai.

His signing was revealed by club owner Martin Jepson in an interview on Tigers’ website and has now been officially announced by the club. “I’m very excited to sign for Castleford,” Sloan - who was coached by Tigers boss Ryan Carr at St George - said.

“I’m joining a good team and getting to join my mates who are coming over as well in Cooky and Matty. I’m looking forward to that and also linking up with an old coach.

“Obviously, we’ve got a job to do over here [in Australia] for the rest of the year, but we’re very excited to come and join Cas next year. I’m pretty much on the phone every week to Carry and Chris [Chester, Tigers’ director of rugby] every week talking about where this team can go, so I’m looking forward to it.”

Carr feels Tigers’ latest addition will bring an “X-factor” to Betfred Super League. He said: “I’ve known him for a long time and have built a great relationship with him, so I know exactly what he’ll bring to our group. He is a naturally gifted player with genuine speed and an X-factor that will thrive in this competition.

“Just as importantly, he’s a fantastic teammate and a great person who will fit seamlessly into the culture we’re building. I have a lot of belief in Sloany and I'm excited to see him make a real impact for our club and in this competition.”

An equally enthusiastic Chester hailed Sloan as “an exciting player with genuine pace, athleticism and the ability to change a game in an instant”. He added: “At just 24 he already has valuable NRL experience and we believe there’s still plenty of growth in his game.

“Ryan knows Tyrell well and we’re confident our environment will help him reach his full potential. He’s exactly the type of player we want to bring to this club as we continue building a squad capable of challenging in Super League.”

Johnson, today’s (Friday) other recruit, played rugby union sevens for England and Great Britain before a spell in Leeds Rhinos’ reserves. He made one Betfred Super League appearance for Warrington Wolves last year, scoring a try against Wakefield Trinity and has touched down 12 times in 18 appearances for Championship outfit Halifax this season.

The 25-year-old, who has also spent time on loan with London Broncos and Widnes Vikings, said: “I am incredibly excited to be joining Castleford next season. Speaking with Ryan Carr and Chris Chester and hearing their vision going forward made this decision really easy. What they both see in my game and the areas I can keep on developing is really exciting for me.”

Carr stated: “It’s great to have Alfie joining us in 2027. He’s only just at the beginning of his rugby league journey and we know there is a lot of growth and untapped potential in him. He brings a unique skill set to our team and we are excited to add that to our playing group.”

Chester enthused: “I’ve watched Alfie all season at Halifax and, for me, he has been the standout outside-back in that competition. I know under Carry we can take his game to a whole new level. Alfie can play both wing and centre, he has a great yardage carry and possesses an unbelievable turn of foot. We’re over the moon Alfie has chosen Castleford Tigers, especially having interest from other Super League clubs.”

Tigers this week also confirmed the signing of Leigh Leopards prop Robbie Mulhern on a three-year contract beginning in 2027.