CASTLEFORD TIGERS have struck a partnership with Manly Sea Eagles, according to the NRL club’s chairman.
The deal, which is yet to be officially confirmed by either club, would open up a pathway from the Super League club’s Academy to Australia.
Scott Penn told Australian publication, the Daily Telegraph, how the link-up would help Manly attract young players from England.
“We’ve been talking to them around talent in junior and senior levels,” Penn said.
“It’s about trying to attract the best youngsters from the UK. Castleford are creating great talent, kids who are potentially looking for an alternative pathway.
“A lot of their best juniors get poached by some of the bigger Super League clubs. I think we can do some pretty special things by setting up an exclusive pathway to the NRL.”
While the deal would leave Castleford vulnerable to losing their best young players to Manly, the presence of the partnership could help them attract and keep top talent from the region in the shadow of more prestigious Acadamies like Leeds.
Other benefits could potentially include players moving in the opposite direction from Manly to the Tigers.
The two clubs do have history, with Castleford legends Malcolm Reilly and Kevin Ward enjoying successful spells down under.
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