Castleford Tigers seal double transfer swoop including return of former star

20 July 2023 , 11:23

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Alex Foster, left, and Billy Tsikrikas have joined Castleford on loan until the end of the season

Castleford have signed Canterbury prop Billy Tsikrikas and Newcastle captain Alex Foster on loan until the end of the season.

Greek international Tsikrikas, who started out with Penrith, made his NRL debut for Canterbury last season but has been playing in the NSW Cup this term. Back-row Foster, 29, joins Castleford for a second time having featured with them in the 2017 Grand Final before departing two years ago.

With his Super League side just two points above bottom-placed Wakefield, Tigers boss Andy Last has been desperate to bolster his squad to stave off the threat of relegation.

He said: “Billy has been playing for the Bulldogs NSW team and playing big minutes due to the big engine he has. I spoke with Mark O’Meley, a former front-rower who I coached (at Hull FC) and has been coaching Billy, who spoke highly of him regards his attitude and his effort areas during games.

“Billy has an opportunity to show us what he is capable of during these latter stages of the season.

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“Alex is a player with good experience of Super League and Castleford Tigers and represented this club with great distinction in his first stint here. We needed someone who is versatile and competitive whether that be playing in the second-row, centre or middle and ‘Fozzy’ fitted that remit perfectly.

"He’s a team-first player and a strong character which are all qualities I was looking for as we attack the latter stages of the season. After speaking with him he can’t wait to get started and work hard to take this opportunity.”

Tsikrikas, 28, said: "“I’m very excited to be given an opportunity with the Tigers and to get to experience Super League. I’m looking forward to the opportunity and challenges ahead and to do my part in finishing the season strongly.”

And ex-Bradford and Leeds forward Foster added: "“It’s fantastic that I have the opportunity to come back and represent this great club again. The club means a lot to me because I feel that my time here was the making of me and my career. I have a lot of special memories with everyone involved with the club so it’s great to be able to come back and be a part of the Tigers family."

David Craven