Castleford Tigers legend Paul McShane has signed a new two-year deal with a Championship outfit after leaving the Wheldon Road club.
McShane left Castleford Tigers at the end of the 2024 campaign after starring for the club for the best part of a decade, joining back in 2015 as part of a swap deal with Wakefield Trinity.
It’s fair to say that Cas came out on top with McShane going on to become a Castleford Tigers legend, even winning the Man of Steel award in 2020 and debuting for England during his time at The Jungle.
However, injuries hampered his recent campaigns and the club confirmed his retirement from full-time Rugby League via a statement in early September ahead of the club’s final home game of the season.
Within that statement, McShane explained: “It’ll be really hard; I’ve always spoken about how playing in front of the Cas fans at Wheldon Road is something special and that’s been motivating me throughout my career and made me want to do my best every time I stepped out there. Doing it this one last time on Friday, it’ll be a tough one but something I’ll remember.”
Now though, it’s been confirmed that his playing career will continue, albeit in the Championship.
York Knights are the side who have won the signature of the former Castleford Tigers captain with McShane penning a two-year deal with the Championship club.
The Knights were among the biggest winners on the IMG gradings so it’s feasible that McShane’s efforts could help York make Super League with the ‘standout’ club tipped for Super League by Head of RL Commercial Rhodri Jones.
Mark Applegarth led the side into the play-offs and saw them give Wakefield Trinity a major scare but the ex-Wakefield boss will now coach the former Cas captain, who it’s been revealed will also take on a role in the coaching staff.
Announcing the signing, York Knights said: “York RLFC is delighted to announce that former England international, Paul McShane will be a Knight in 2025!
“McShane, who left Castleford Tigers at the end of the last campaign after making more than 200 appearances over ten seasons, is the Knights’ first new signing for next season.
“As well as being part of the playing squad, he’ll also work alongside Mark Applegarth and the coaching staff.”
Speaking on his new deal, McShane said: “It’s really exciting. It’s a new challenge and the role I’m going in to is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time.
“It’s a great opportunity at a good club, with a good team and a good coaching set up already in place.
“They’re ambitious and want to push for Super League. If I can play a part in that, that’ll be great.”
