1 Richard Gay

Picture by Scott Freeman Photography

D.O.B. 9.3.69

Signed from his hometown club of Hull prior to the launch of Super League in 1996. It was a big-money deal for the Tigers, at a time when transfer fees were paid, but Richard has proved great value for the Tigers in both the full-back and the wing positions.

Whilst at Hull he won England International honours and although he hasn't added to them since his move to Cas, he has been one of the games most consistent performers. Safe on defence and a good broken field runner, Richard has been a regular try scor

4 B J Mather

Picture by Scott Freeman Photography

D.O.B 8.9.74

A product of Wigan where in his early career he won a host of honours for both club and country. At 6' 6", BJ, a centre and occasional second rower, uses his height to good advantage particularly in picking up his halfback's kicks to the corner.

He moved from Wigan to Australia for a stint with the Perth Western Reds but when that club disappeared in one of the 'shake-up's' Down Under the Tigers moved in to bring BJ back to Englandfor the 1998 campaign. BJ's next move was into rugby union with Sale and became a duel code international with an England call-up. He returned to the the Tigers for what was to be a short term stint but that was extended as BJ committed himself to league.

Injury blighted his 2001 campaign, resulting in a close season shoulder operation. But Tigers fans will be looking for him to bounce back in Super League VII.

10 Dean Sampson

Picture by Scott Freeman Photography

D.O.B. 27.6.67

A big Tigers favourite who has attained legendary status amongst the clubs followers. Dean is a strong running powerful prop forward who has Served Castleford, his only professional club, for almost 16 years since his capture from Stanley ARL.

Since making his first team debut he has rarely been out of the senior squad and last year passed the 400-appearance mark for the Tigers. It is a travesty that Dean hasn't won Great Britain test caps, although he has toured, and five England caps are scant reward for a tremendous club career.

Dean has said that this will be his 'swan song' season as a player, but he will have the added responsibility of coaching the clubs under-17's as he looks to the future. 

Picture by Scott Freeman Photography

D.O.B. 1.2.73

A big strong runner and tackler, Kyle joined the Tigers from the North Queensland Cowboys although he has also played for Manly. Has represented the Queensland Residents side, when playing in that state's competition with Toowoomba.

Kyle can play in a range of positions from fullback to the back row and his versatility should b

19 David Bates

Picture by Scott Freeman Photography

D.O.B. 23.10.80

Developed through the Tigers Academy and Alliance set-up, David is a local product who has deserved his senior squad call this year.

The young prop spent some time with the Warrington Wolves last year, who were keen to offer him a contract. But Castleford offered him a chance to step up at the Jungle where he will be keen to repeat the blockbusting form he showed with the Alliance last year.

2 Jon Wells

Picture by Scott Freeman Photography

D.O.B. 23.9.78

Jon has improved year on year to become one of the Tigers most consistent performers. Last year was probably his best for the club when he started all 30 matches and performed well on both attack and defence.

Jon has worked very hard over the years for some time combining his role as a full time Super League winger and a university student. That work though is paying dividends, he successfully completed his law degree and really started to fulfil his early promise on the field and he must be looking to push himself towards the Yorkshire Origin squad this year.

Jon was highly sought after as a youngster where he excelled in a range of sports, winning junior representative honours in both League and Rugby Union. His determination to succeed academically and on the sports field will stand him in good stead.