Joe Westerman signs at Castleford for the 2022 season | Rugby League News

Joe Westerman to return to Castleford Tigers, where he began his professional career; Westerman said: “To be a kid and to support them until now, where they’re up there with quality players, it’s really exciting.”

Castleford Tigers has announced that Joe Westerman has signed a two-year contract with the club starting with the 2022 season.

The forward will return to the club where his professional career began, 12 years after his last appearance as a Castleford player.

The 31-year-old passed through the Castleford youth ranks before bursting onto the scene in the Tigers’ championship-winning season in 2007. Westerman was instrumental in that campaign, including scoring a try in the grand final that brought the Tigers back to the Super League.

1:21

At just 18, Joe Westerman scored his first Super League try for the Castleford Tigers in 2008.

Since leaving at the end of the 2010 season, Westerman has continued to play for Hull FC, Warrington Wolves, Toronto Wolfpack and is now at Wakefield Trinity, where he has been in one of the best forms of his career, particularly in 2021 which earned him a summons to the last England team.

“It’s been about 10 years since I played at Castleford, and since I was young I’ve always supported Cas,” Westerman said on the club’s website.

“All of my family around me support Cas, so it will be good, and it’s something that I really look forward to. Cas has always been a great club to me. From my childhood and their support until now. , where they play there with quality players, it’s really exciting, the level is really high now and I just want to get there and play well for my home club next year.

With such an impressive performance for Wakefield this season, Shaun Wane signed Westerman to his England squad, and the 31-year-old explained he fell in love with the sport again while with Trinity.

“I love my time at Wakefield, and I have the utmost respect for the club and the people who make it up. It made me appreciate my rugby again and I have a lot to thank Wakefield for. every morning loving Go to work.

“I think it’s just me enjoying my rugby and finding love for him again. I’ve realized the little things you need to do off the pitch to make yourself a better player.”

0:35

Days after being crowned National League 1 Young Player of the Year, 17-year-old Joe Westerman lands for the Tigers in their grand final victory over the Widnes Vikings.

Lee Radford is a familiar face for the forward, as the duo have worked side-by-side at Hull FC and Joe is very excited to work with his former coach again in 2022.

“I have worked with Lee Radford for many years, I get along well with him as a coach and as a person. I honestly think he will do a great job at Cas, and he will have the fans of his side right away. “

The 2022 Fords head coach was very happy to capture Westerman for his Tigers side next season, praising his formidable efforts this year in the Betfred Super League.

“Joe is in great shape, and he’s in a good position in his life, he’s at a point in his career where he has a few years to gain something,” Radford said.

“In my opinion, he should have more international caps than he has, but for some reason that didn’t happen. I honestly think for a ball playing 13, there aren’t any. not a lot of better ones in the competition right now. “

Sky Sports expert Terry O’Connor said Westerman’s experience will be huge for the Tigers and they’ll see the best he has to offer.

“This is back to where it all began for Joe Westerman as his career comes full circle,” said O’Connor.

“I remember his appearance on the scene in 2007 for the Tigers – a season where he won the National League 1 Young Player of the Year award.

“He also backed up his credentials and abilities the following season – moving to the Super League with Castleford and winning the same award again.

“From an early age you could tell he was still destined for a great football career.

0:40

Joe Westerman is showing immense courage to play in the dying minutes of Hull KR’s 18-10 win over Hull FC in 2019 despite an alleged dislocated knee.

“He’s back with the England squad and is set to play against the Combined Nations All Stars on Friday night – but when he looks back on his career I think he’ll be a little disappointed to have just one selection international against his name.

“Joe has always had the potential to do more in the sport and I think it was his movement from club to club that held him back a bit – but when he’s at a club where he’s happy and settled, we see always the best of him.

“We’ve seen that over the past two seasons with Wakefield – and I’m sure that will continue as he joins his home club for the next two seasons.

“The Tigers have built a strong and mature player at Westerman and I expect him to be an important part of the team going forward.”