Lure of working with Powell helps Tigers snare Monaghan

CASTLEFORD TIGERS have made a significant signing with prolific former Australia winger Joel Monaghan joining from Warrington Wolves on a two-year deal.

He is one of Super League’s finest finishers having scored 144 tries in as many games for the Cheshire club – where he was captain this campaign – since joining from Canberra Raiders in 2011.

With a glowing endorsement, Monaghan was told by coach Tony Smith he could move on at the end of this season and it is Castleford who have won the race to capture the former New South Wales State of Origin star.

Monaghan, who had suitors in Super League and the NRL, said: “There was a few options but after watching one of Castleford’s matches near the end of the season, possibly the Leeds Rhinos game, I just texted my manager there and then. I said I’d really like to go play there and be coached by Daryl if it was possible.

“Cas have had a fair turnover of players over the last few years yet have been a consistent side.

“Since he’s come on board the style of football they play, the way they are coached... you can tell they are a tight group and he was definitely one of the main attractions. There was some other interest here and a bit from back home as well but definitely once I had the offer to come to Cas it was definitely something I wanted to do.

“And just the atmosphere around here, too ( at the Mend-a-Hose Jungle)... you don’t get this back home.”

Monaghan is aged 33 now but still playing as well as ever, either on the wing or at centre, and contributed 17 tries in 27 games for Warrington this term, including a fitting hat-trick in his final match against Catalans.

Indeed, he hopes to be able to extend his career past the 2017 campaign when his Tigers deal expires.

Monaghan’s arrival does not necessarily mean fellow Australian Justin Carney is on the way out of Wheldon Road but both Hull FC and Salford Red Devils remain interested in the controversial winger.

Powell said: “Joel Monaghan is a high quality and experienced winger to add to our back line.

“He is a proven try scorer with good leadership skills and I expect him to help drive our standards in 2016.”

St Helens prop Matthew Haggarty, 24, has re-joined Salford Red Devils on a season-long loan.