Castleford Tigers sign ex-Leeds Rhinos man after massive injury blow
Castleford Tigers have moved quickly to fill the gap in their squad left by full-back Blake Taaffe’s season-long injury.
Former Leeds Rhinos star Ashton Golding has signed a contract with Tigers until the end of 2026 after leaving Huddersfield Giants ‘by mutual consent’ last November. Tigers were without an experienced full-back after Aussie Taaffe suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury during his Betfred Super League debut against Wigan Warriors last Sunday.
Golding, who coaches Leeds community side Stanningley and can also play across the outside-backs and at hooker or loose-forward, came through Rhinos’ youth system and made his debut in 2014. He played 63 times for his home city club before joining Giants in 2020.
The 29-year-old worked under Castleford coach Ryan Carr during a spell on loan with Featherstone Rovers in 2019. “It feels great,” he said of signing for Tigers. “What kind of club I wanted to commit to fits quite perfectly with the aspirations of this club.
“It was a no-brainer for me. I’ve worked under Ryan Carr before and he’s a great coach, technical, but also a firm leader. Hopefully, he can bring the best out of me now.”
Tigers director of rugby Chris Chester said: “I’m really excited to get Ashton over the line for the 2026 season. Ashton can cover many positions across the back line and in and around the middle of the field, playing nine and 13.
“He has worked with Ryan before at Featherstone and the one thing we know he will bring to the club is a real competitive edge. It has always been our intention as a club to add players to the squad as the season went on and Ashton's signing will give us more competition for places this year.”