“THERE’S a really good feeling” at Castleford Tigers, their Australian forward Joe Stimson has professed ahead of the 2026 season.
The Tigers were dismal in 2025, finishing second bottom of the Super League ladder, saved only from the wooden spoon by Salford Red Devils.
Stimson was one of several recruits brought in by the West Yorkshire side mid-season, with the forward registering eleven appearances following his move from the Gold Coast Titans.
It was a campaign to forget for the Tigers, but their new head coach Ryan Carr – who also coached at Featherstone Rovers and Leeds Rhinos during his previously short spell in the UK – has brought in a whole raft of signings as well as instilled belief within a confidence-shot group.
And Stimson, who has 114 NRL appearances under his belt after spells at Melbourne Storm, Canterbury Bulldogs and the Gold Coast, insists that every Castleford player is “hungry and wanting to win” and keen to make a difference in 2026.
“There’s a really good feeling around the group and everyone’s really ripping in,” Stimson said.
“Everyone came back quite fit, which gave us a stepping stone to get into other things, learn new plays and shapes and defensive strategies.
“Everyone’s starting to get the defensive structure; it’s getting quite clear and everyone’s working for each other. There’s going to be a big difference this year.
“Everyone’s come back hungry and wanting to win and I think that’s shown in our training.
“The standard’s getting quite high and everyone’s pushing each other, which is the best thing for us.
“There’s competition for spots so everyone’s got to be at their best every session.”