Centre sensation Krystian Mapapalangi has revealed why he turned down rival interest to sign a new long-term contract with Castleford Tigers.

The 23-year-old Australian has been one of Betfred Super League’s most impressive players since joining Castleford from NRL outfit Wests Tigers a month before the season began. Though he arrived on a two-year deal, his form was attracting attention from other clubs, until he put pen to paper on new terms which will keep him at Wheldon Road until the end of 2029.

Speaking ahead of Sunday’s Magic Weekend derby against Wakefield Trinity in Liverpool, Mapapalangi said he felt he owed Tigers coach Ryan Carr and director of rugby Chris Chester for giving him an opportunity in England. “I spoke to Carry after a couple of rounds and he told me his plans for the club and I am really invested in what he is doing,” he stated.

“He brought me over here - with Chezzy - and I wanted to repay their faith. They have shown faith in me, coming off a couple of injuries; I want to repay that and I’ve seen the vision they’ve got for the next couple of years.”

Castleford Tigers' Krystian Mapapalangi, right, with Magic Weekend rival Caius Faatili of Wakefield Trinity, who will be wearing a retro Wildcats jersey at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday. Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com.

placeholder image — Castleford Tigers' Krystian Mapapalangi, right, with Magic Weekend rival Caius Faatili of Wakefield Trinity, who will be wearing a retro Wildcats jersey at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday. Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com.

Mapapalangi, who made six NRL appearances for Newcastle Knights but didn’t play a first team game with Wests, admitted other clubs were interested in signing him after his electric start to life in Super League. “There were other teams and it took me a couple of weeks to decide,” he revealed.

“But I knew in the end I wanted to be at Cas - it’s where I wanted to be. I think Carry has got the best out of me. He’s very smart in the way he wants to play, he gives a lot of confidence to the boys and he has definitely given confidence to me, which is showing on the field. I am really enjoying him being our coach.”

Mapapalangi and his winger Jason Qareqare have scored 21 tries between them on Tigers’ left-edge this season, with the centre contributing eight. “I think off the field helps what we are doing on the field,” he said of their combination.

Krystian Mapapalangi is tackled by York Knights' Xavier Va'a during Castleford Tigers' defeat last week. Picture by Paul Currie/SWpix.com.

“We are really close off the field and we are similar personalities. I think that has helped us on the field; we have clicked really well and I’m happy he has signed for three years as well.”

The move to Tigers – who this week loaned hooker Aiden Doolan to Hunslet RLFC – allowed Mapapalangi to focus on playing at centre, having switched between that role and stand-off at his previous club. He stressed: “I am happy with any [playing position], but I am happy where I am on the edge with Gary. I am enjoying my footy there.”

Qareqare’s try last Friday could not save Tigers from a shock 20-14 home loss to York Knights and Mapapalangi admitted they have to be better on Sunday. “We know what type of team we want to be and we weren’t that,” he reflected.

“The last four or five weeks we have built something, but we didn’t follow the game plan. Everyone’s pretty disappointed, but we’re excited for this weekend to put a solid performance in.”