Finding the right players to replace those that have left is never an easy task but the Castleford Tigers have acted quickly and signed a half they believe can help them moving forward in Luke Gale.
The current Bradford Bulls half is a direct replacement for the departing Marc Sneyd, with 26-year old signing with the Tigers for the next three seasons.
The signing of Gale is the club’s sixth of the season and the man himself cannot wait for the opportunity. .
“I am really excited to be here,” he said.
“Castleford have had a great season, and Daryl and his team around him have fulfilled the potential, and they have turned Cas into a proper team.”
“I am jumping at the opportunity and I cannot wait. Daryl showed a bit of interest, and I have worked with him at the England Knights and at Leeds before. I like how he goes about things, and even though there was other interest, once I spoke to Daryl that was it – I wanted to join Castleford.”
Having seen how they play first-hand, Gale also believes that Castleford and coach Daryl Powell are the best fits for him moving forward.
“I love how Castleford play to be honest. They play good rugby and pass it about, always playing expansive football,” he added.
“Everyone seems to work for each other and there is no standout, and everyone puts a shift in. I spoke to Daryl and I felt he can take me and the club to that next level, and I want to be playing in those big games.
I want to be in the England squad too, and I had aspirations to be there this year, but obviously things at Bradford did not go too well.”
“I also know Danny Orr from my time at London, and when I moved there at 18 Danny took me under his wing and was a mentor figure for me.
Obviously Danny is involved and I know Luke Dorn, who is one of the best players I have ever played with, so all of those reasons add up.”
Gale, who has come close to international honours in the past, is once again hoping to get there. Someone who believes he can push for such a spot yet again is Castleford coach Daryl Powell.
“I am delighted we have been able to secure the services of a quality half back who not long ago was just on the edge of international recognition,” said Powell.
“Luke’s organisational ability alongside his willingness to both play at the defensive line and indeed through it will fit neatly into how we want to play next season. His passing and kicking game are top quality.
Luke alongside Ben Roberts and Liam Finn give us variety and quality at half back with Ben Reynolds proving he can also step up when needed, giving us additional depth in such a pivotal position.”