13 June 2023 , 18:30
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Castleford Tigers have signed Warrington Wolves half-back Riley Dean on a season-long loan deal to ease their injury crisis.
The 21 year-old has spent the first half of this campaign on loan at Championship leaders Featherstone but now makes the short trip down the road to The Jungle. Castleford have been hit with injury issues to their spine with captain and hooker Paul McShane ruled out for two months and England full-back Niall Evalds potentially sidelined for the rest of the campaign. Scrum-half Danny Richardson is out with an ACL and won't play this season.
Stand-off Gareth Widdop has switched to full-back with centre Jack Broadbent filling in at No.6. But Tigers boss Andy Last, whose side are just four points off the relegation spot, said: “Riley Dean is a quality young player with some Super League and Championship experience which will be invaluable for us until the end of the season.
“This signing allows us to get Jack Broadbent in his preferred position of centre which will help the balance of our team. Riley has a good kicking game and the ability to open up defences with his short and long passing game. We are excited to have him on board.”
Dean made his Super League debut for Warrington in 2019 but has made only nine appearances for Wire since. Wolves have a two-week recall option and Castleford will not be able to name him in their line-up against them in their two remaining Super League contests this term. Dean, who has had loan spells with Championship clubs York, Dewsbury and Newcastle, said: “I’m really excited to get going. I’ve spoken to Andy Last and Danny Wilson so I’m looking forward just to getting in and getting out on the field.
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"I enjoyed my time at Featherstone this season, but this will be a good step up for me to play Super League. Playing more games in the top competition week in, week out will be good for my development. It will be good for my career long term so hopefully I can play well.”
Elsewhere, Wakefield prop Hugo Salabio has been walloped with a huge SEVEN game ban. The French forward was sent-off in Sunday’s win over Leeds, his debut after joining for a month-long trial at Trinity. However, he will now sit out all of that period after admitting a Grade F spear tackle on Rhinos’ Richie Myler. Salabio was also fined £1,000.
And Hull KR have moved to ease their own injury crisis, signing Catalans full-back Tanguy Zenon who could debut in Saturday’s Challenge Cup quarter-final against Salford after joining on a two-week loan.