Castleford Tigers legend Lee Crooks is back at the club in a new role.

The former Great Britain star - who also played for Leeds Rhinos and Hull FC - made 222 appearances for Castleford from 1990-97 and was recently named as a prop-forward in Tigers’ ‘team of the century’. The 61-year-old had been working for his home city club Hull, but is now back at Wheldon Road as heritage officer with Castleford Tigers Foundation.

Crooks said: “I am very much looking forward to becoming part of the Castleford Tigers Foundation team. The heritage officer role is something I’m excited to get my teeth into and I can already see the huge potential in telling the story of Castleford and District Amateur Rugby League.

Lee Crooks in Castleford Tigers' changing room at Wheldon Road after announcing his playing retirement in 1997. Picture by Mark Bickerdike.

“I’m also really looking forward to returning to Castleford Tigers - a club that welcomed me with open arms when I first arrived. The club resurrected my career and for that I am truly grateful. This role gives me the chance to give something back to the community that supported me from day one.”

Tigers’ foundation head Amy Hardman added: “We are delighted to welcome Lee into this role. His passion for Castleford’s heritage and his connection to the club make him the perfect person to lead this project. I’m excited to see the stories, memories and history of the amateur game brought to life.”

The National Heritage Lottery Fund and Tigers Foundation are working together to deliver a project detailing the history of Castleford and District Amateur Rugby League. To share your story contact: [email protected].