DARNELL McINTOSH has signed for Castleford Tigers on a two-year deal from Super League rivals Leigh Leopards.

McIntosh is a product of the Huddersfield Giants academy system, but has most recently been plying his trade with the Leopards.

The 28-year-old outside back has made over 180 Super League and Challenge Cup appearances and scored more than 70 tries across spells with Huddersfield, Hull FC and Leigh.

McIntosh joins Blake Taaffe, Brock Greacen, Semi Valemei, Mikaele Ravalawa, Jack Ashworth, Jordan Lane, Liam Hood and Renouf Atoni in moving to the Tigers for 2026, when they will be led by new head coach Ryan Carr.

Upon signing for Castleford, McIntosh said: “For me as a player, it’s exciting getting to work with someone like Ryan Carr, who I’ve only heard good things about from other players – both about his coaching style and him as a person.

“With the players already there, it should be a competitive group that can push each other week on week and get the best out of everyone, including myself.

“I enjoyed my time at Leigh on the field and there are some really good people involved there, but I just felt like I needed a change – both for me as a player and for my family.

“Chris (Chester, Castleford’s director of rugby) knows what I’m about and believes in what I can bring to the club, and having that backing from him drives me and gives me the confidence to play my best rugby and repay that faith.”

Chester said: “I signed Darnell at Leigh Leopards, so I know what to expect. Darnell’s yardage carries are his biggest strength – he’s very good at getting teams on the front foot, and this is certainly an area we have struggled with in 2025.

“Darnell is excited about the challenge, and I know he’s looking forward to working with Ryan Carr and playing in front of the Cas faithful.”