CASTLEFORD TIGERS have signed Leigh Leopards pair Ben McNamara and Keanan Brand on loan deals until the end of the season.
The pair will go straight into contention to make their Castleford debuts in Saturday’s clash at St Helens alongside another Leigh loanee in forward Lazerus Vaalepu, who signed on Tuesday.
McNamara, 25, came through the ranks at Hull FC and since joining Leigh in 2024 has made 36 appearances, scoring four tries and kicking 30 goals.
The halfback set to join the Tigers permanently in 2027, when his Leopards contract comes to an end.
Brand, 27, was developed in Widnes Vikings’ academy and spent time at Warrington Wolves before joining Leigh, initially on loan, in 2021.
The Ireland international centre or winger has made 73 appearances and scored 35 tries for the club, but only played six times this year.
Castleford’s director of rugby Chris Chester – who previously held a similar role at the Leopards – said: “Both Ben and Keanan are players that I know well from my time at Leigh.
“They both compete really hard and go after the game, and they will give us some much needed depth to our squad.”
Leigh, who have signed experienced forward Jack Ashworth on a permanent deal from Castleford, have also let young prop Oliver Polec leave on loan, joining Salford for the remainder of the season.