Castleford Tigers news: teenager joins Championship side on long-term loan
A Castleford Tigers forward has moved into the Betfred Championship on long-term loan.
Nineteen-year-old prop Akim Matvejev, who impressed when Tigers beat Leeds Rhinos in Brad Singleton’s testimonial game two weeks ago, will spend the 2026 season with Batley Bulldogs.
The 6ft 3ins front-rower made two appearances for Tigers in 2024 - against St Helens and Huddersfield Giants - but did not feature last year, instead having one-game spells on loan at Workington Town and Rochdale Hornets.
Matvejev, originally from Tallinn before moving to England, was the first Estonian-born player to feature in Super League and joined Tigers’ academy from Leeds community club Drighlington. Of his latest move, Tigers director of rugby Chris Chester said: “It’s a good opportunity for Akim to gain some valuable experience at a top Championship club.”