Castleford Tigers news: coach delighted with 'great addition' as Wests Tigers centre makes Super League move
A 23-year-old centre from the southern hemisphere NRL has become Castleford Tigers 13th signing for the 2026 season.
Krystian Mapapalangi made two first team appearances for Newcastle Knights in 2022 and four more a couple of years later. He spent last season at Wests Tigers, scoring five tries in 15 games for their New South Wales Cup side Western Suburbs Magpies.
Mapapalangi, who has signed a two-year contract, will join his new team mates at training on Monday and is in contention for Tigers’ Betfred Challenge Cup third round tie at Doncaster or Newcastle Thunder in two weeks’ time. He said: “I’ve heard plenty of great things about the club, who pride themselves on hard work as a blue collar town. I’m looking forward to playing high-level footy against some great players in this competition [and] also playing in front of the passionate Castleford fans. I’ve been told their support is unreal.”
Mapapalangi can also play at wing or in the halves and Cas coach Ryan Carr said: “I’m really pleased to see this deal over the line. It is one we’ve been discussing since I arrived at the club. Maps has all the attributes needed to succeed in the Super League and he’s another great addition to the squad. The squad is taking shape, I believe we have a lot to be excited about in 2026 and this latest addition only gives me more confidence in what we are building here in Cas.”
Tigers director of rugby Chris Chester added: “Krystian is a player we identified a number of weeks ago. He’s an athletic centre who has experience in the NRL and NSW Cup. On top of all that he’s a great person and a player I know Ryan can take to the next level. We’ve taken our time with this signing to make sure it’s the right fit for all.”