CASTLEFORD TIGERS have signed St George Illawarra Dragons star Tyrell Sloan on a two-year deal.
The 24-year-old has played his entire NRL career with the Dragons so far, with 53 tries in 89 appearances after debuting back in 2021.
Sloan had attracted other Super League interest, but it was the chance to link up with former St George assistant coach Ryan Carr and team-mates Damien Cook and Mat Feagai – the duo have also signed contracts for next season – that helped Castleford secure his signature.
He said: “I’m very excited to sign for Castleford Tigers. I’m joining a good team and getting to join my mates who are coming over as well in Cooky and Matty so I’m looking forward to that, and also linking up with an old coach.
“Obviously, we’ve got a job to do over here for the rest of the year but we’re very excited to come and join Cas next year. I’m pretty much on the phone every week to Carry and Chris (Chris, Castleford’s director of rugby) every week talking about where this team can go so I’m looking forward to it.
“It’s been in the works for a bit but I’m happy it’s finally been done and I’m really excited to come over.
“I think a big strength of my game is my speed and my running ability. I’ve always had that label of how quick I am, I see the team and how it is right now with (Jason) Qareqare, he’s one of the speedsters.
“So I’m looking forward to linking up with him and also Maps (Krystian Mapapalangi) at the left centre as well. I can’t wait to come and join those guys and whatever is thrown at us in defence, I’m sure we’ll throw something better back in attack.
“It’ll be great to play in the Super League, I feel like anybody can beat anybody on their day and that’s what makes it such an exciting competition. I feel like it’s going to suite our style of play.
“I’m just going to come over with a clean slate, an open mind, and just win the fans over by working hard. It’s a big move for me but I’m looking forward to it, and again with Carry (Ryan Carr), his footy suits me and I’m sure we’ll show that.”
Carr said: “We’re extremely excited to welcome Sloany to the club. I’ve known him for a long time and have built a great relationship with him, so I know exactly what he’ll bring to our group.
“He is a naturally gifted player with genuine speed and an X-factor that will thrive in this competition.
“Just as importantly, he’s a fantastic teammate and a great person who will fit seamlessly into the culture we’re building.
“I have a lot of belief in Sloany, and I’m excited to see him make a real impact for our club and in this competition.”
He’s their third future signing announced this week after Robbie Mulhern and Alfie Johnson.