TIGERS GO GLOBAL
Cas will host Aussie’s finest at Jungle
NEWLY-CROWNED League Leaders Castleford have confirmed their intention to stage a World Club Series game at their Mend-a-Hose Jungle home next year.
The Tigers clinched their place in next season’s competition by securing top spot for the first time in the club’s 91-year history.
Both Castleford and Huddersfield have, in the past, stated they would not be in a position to post the £170,000 bond required to act as hosts for incoming Australian clubs.
That figure has now increased to £200,000 to cover the travelling costs of the NRL opponents.
But chief executive Steve Gill says the Tigers are in a much better position to stage the game now.
Gill said: “We want it down here at the Jungle in front of our fans.
“If we can sell it out, we’ll make a profit. We weren’t financially able to do it three years ago.
“Our players want to be in it and our fans want to be part of it – it will be a great night.”
The Tigers now have four more Super Eights matches to play before the home semi-final that offers a route to Old Trafford in October and the chance to become champions.
But full-back Zak Hardaker, who scored two tries in Thursday’s clinching 45-20 win over Wakefield, says the club deserves to celebrate its historic achievement before refocusing on the next challenge.
Hardaker said: “For the fans, the club and the town this is absolutely massive.
“There’s been fully grown men crying their eyes out because they’ve not witnessed this.
“You go round the club and see the black and white pictures of the greats of the past, and I’m hoping that when I’m 75 or 80 years old I can come back to this club and see my face there.
“I’m part of history now and to do it for this great club and town, I’m really honoured. Collectively as a team it’s been magnificent.”
The Tigers’ home Super League semi-final against whichever club finishes fourth will take place on Thursday, September 28, with second against third the following night.